Epidemiological profile of stroke survivors registered at the Health Family Strategy of Diamantina, MG

Abstract

Stroke can bring limitations to functional task performance, thus reducing patients' independence and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to draw the epidemiological profile of hemiparetic, stroke survivors in the city of Diamantina, MG, and to foster a joint program of action by the university and local public health service, in order to attend to these subjects. From 82 subjects registered at the Health Family Strategy units (HFS), 51 were contacted and interviewed, by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Their mean age was 67.8 years old, and time since onset of stroke, 6.7 years; 50% were illiterate and 41.2% lived on one monthly minimum wage. Reported risk factors prior to the stroke were unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcoholism, smoking, and family history of stroke (father or mother). At the time of the study 78.73% had high blood pressure and 35.29% had never undergone physiotherapy treatment after the stroke episode. Hence, inclusion of physical therapists in HFS, changes in subjects' lifestyle, and improvement or changes in local health policies are imperative.