Family function and health behaviours of stroke survivors

Purpose:To investigate health behaviours and family function in stroke survivors,and evaluate the relationships among them.Methods:Patients who were diagnosed with stroke before and went back to neurology clinic between August 2011 and February 2012 in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou,China were recruited for this study.Patients that were discharged and living at home for at least two months were asked to complete Family Assessment Device(FAD)and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile,version II(HPLP-II)questionnaires.Individual items were scored between 1 and 4 points,and survey scores were compared and analysed using Pearson's correlations.Results:The mean overall FAD family function score was 2.18±0.25 points,with lower scores observed for problem solving and role function factors,and higher scores for communication,affection involvement,and behaviour control.The mean overall HPLP-II health behaviour score was 2.27±0.36 points,with the highest score for the nutrition factor,and the lowest score for the exercise factor.The total score of family function negatively correlated with health behaviours(r?0.535,p<0.01).Conclusions:Family function and health behaviours in stroke survivors are related,and need further improvement.Healthcare workers should pay close attention to patients'family function and health behaviours and find the reasons which may be influence their level.