Assessment of quality of life and risk of fall among stroke survivors in selected hospitals in Maiduguri, Borno state

Abstract

Background: Stroke remains a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, affecting physical, psychological, and social functioning. In Nigeria, stroke survivors frequently experience reduced quality of life (QoL) and heightened fall risk due to persistent impairments and limited access to rehabilitation services. The interplay between these outcomes remains underexplored in Northern Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

Objective: To assess the quality of life and risk of fall among stroke survivors in selected hospitals in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 62 stroke survivors recruited using convenience sampling from Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fall risk was assessed using the Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), while QoL was measured using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Participants included 32 males (51.6%) and 30 females (48.4%), with the majority aged 51–60 years (33.9%). QoL scores varied across domains, with no significant association between overall QoL and fall risk (χ² = 450.352, df = 432, p = 0.262). However, a significant linear trend was observed between QoL and fall risk (Linear-by-Linear Association = 7.058, p = 0.008). Age, gender, educational level, and post-stroke duration were significantly associated with selected QoL domains (p < 0.05). No socio-demographic variable showed a significant association with fall risk.

Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between overall QoL and fall risk among stroke survivors. However, specific socio-demographic factors significantly influenced QoL domains. Rehabilitation programs should target modifiable determinants of QoL while implementing fall prevention strategies for at-risk survivors.

Keywords: Stroke, Quality of Life, Fall Risk, Stroke Survivors, Maiduguri