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Thonnard J.-L.1, Kossi O.1, Batcho C.S.2, Adoukonou T.3
1Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium, 2Université Laval, Department of Rehabilitation, Quebec, Canada, 3University of Parakou, Faculty of Medecine, Parakou, Benin
Background: Stroke is a major public health problem in developing countries. However, few studies have quantified the functional recovery of stroke patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
Purpose: To study the functional recovery of stroke patients in the Republic of Benin.
Methods: We recruited 68 acute stroke patients from hospitals and health centres in Benin.
Patients were evaluated at enrolment and 1, 3, and 6 months poststroke. The ACTIVLIM-Stroke scale, Barthel Index, and modified Rankin Scale were used to assess activity limitations, functional autonomy, and overall level of disability, respectively.
Results: The three measures highlighted progressive and significant functional recovery during the first 6 months poststroke, although the modified Rankin Scale did not show improvement between enrolment and
1 month poststroke. At enrolment, the mean score on ACTIVLIM-Stroke was 16% ± 9%, indicating that patients were almost totally dependent and unable to perform most activities of daily living. At 6 months, the mean score for activity limitation reached 67% ± 15% and most patients were able to perform some basic tasks easily. Patients had difficulty with tasks requiring walking and remained unable to perform certain activities requiring manual dexterity.
Conclusion(s): Our sample showed significant improvement of functional recovery (~50%) during the first 6 months poststroke. We recommend the integration of group-based brisk walking into a cost-effective rehabilitation program as a suitable way to increase the functional recovery of chronic stroke patients in sub-Saharan Africa after hospital discharge.
Implications: Further studies are needed to evaluate social participation after stroke in Benin.
Funding acknowledgements: No funding.
Autors thank all patients and their families for their helpful involvement in this study.
Autors thank all patients and their families for their helpful involvement in this study.
Topic: Disability & rehabilitation
Ethics approval: Ethics committees of medical faculties of Cotonou and Parakou, Benin.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
