Introduction: Many studies show that subjects with sequelae after stroke have a worse health perception in western societies. Due to the shortage of papers on the Spanish population in this regard, a study was carried out to assess health perception in hemiplegic patients 2 years after stroke in comparison with that of the general population and correlate health perception with demographic, clinical and functional variables.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of 212 community stroke survivors. The main variables collected were: health perception assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36), disability assessed with the motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Statistical tests used: chi2, Student t test and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results: In comparison with the Spanish general population, health perception in hemiplegic male stroke patients is diminished in all areas. In hemiplegic female patients, physical function is the only subscale significantly affected in all age groups. Variables related to worse health perception are: presence of depression, dependence and the belief of the need for kind of social support, A significant correlation was observed between SF-36 values and the motor FIM (r = 0.737 with physical function) and the GDS (r = -0.821 with mental health).
Conclusions: Health perception in hemiplegic patients 2 years after stroke is diminished in comparison with that 348 of the general population. Factors which determine worst health perception are depression, motor dependence, need of caregiver assistance and need of social support.