Objectives. To identify predictors of emotional distress and psychological wellbeing in stroke survivors 2–5 years after discharge from comprehensive rehabilitation. Material and Methods. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), and questions regarding life situations were mailed to former patients. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results. The responses from 68 participants (37% women), of an average age of 58 years old, were used. Emotional distress (HADS > 10) was identified in 41%. Well-being (GHQ-30 < 6) was identified in 46%. Not surprisingly, there was a strongly negative association between well-being (GHQ-30 < 6) and emotional distress (HADS > 10) at follow up. Dependency in toileting during rehabilitation predicted emotional distress 2–5 years later. Finally, well-being at followup was predicted by age > 65 years, independent mobility, perceiving proxies as supportive, and being in employment. Conclusions. Dependence in the activities of daily living 3–6 months after-injury predicted emotional distress 2–5 years after-stroke. Being over 65 years, having an occupation, proxy support and being less dependent all predicted well-being. Emotional distress and well-being were clearly negatively associated. Gender, education, marital status, and type of stroke were not associated with the outcome measures. 1. Introduction The burden of stroke is high worldwide [1]. In Norway, stroke has a prevalence of 19 per 1000 in people above 20 years old, and it is the largest cause of severe disability in the elderly [2]. Sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional sequelae after stroke are often chronic and have a significant negative impact on the ability of patients to carry out everyday activities, thereby increasing their dependence on caregivers. The economic and welfare consequences for both society and the patients are severe. It is well known that psychosocial distress such as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life is common in the first few months after stroke [3]. The level of wellbeing and mental health more than 1 year after stroke are unfortunately less well studied, but studies have shown that related symptoms can prevail for a long time [4]. A study of the quality of life 2 years after stroke concluded that “(…) people in the general community would rather give up half of their remaining years of life to live in full health than continue living with the health status of the average stroke survivor” [5]. Following acute stroke, a reduced social network one
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