| Summary: | Background: Stroke is a common neurological disorder associated with long term morbidity and/or dependency of patient on family members leading to consequent disturbances in the life of caregivers. Aim and Objectives: A hospital based cross-sectional study was aimed to compare the disability and Quality of Life (QOL) between the rural and urban
population at 3 months after stroke in North Karnataka. Material and Methods: Patients were assessed with National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin scale (mRS), modified Barthel index (MBI), World health organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Socio-demographic, vascular risk factors and
stroke characteristics were compared in both the groups. Results: Ischaemic type was predominant with higher number of patients with moderate severity were observed in rural (52.4%) than urban (42.2%). Tobacco use (50.35%) was high in rural patients whereas past history of stroke (47.71%) was high in urban patients. QOL was poor (score <60) in both rural and urban patients at 3 months. Age, duration of stay, complications, stroke severity, and disability at the time of discharge had significant effect on QOL of both urban and rural patients. This is the first report from north Karnataka comparing the risk factors, severity, disability, QOL in rural and urban stroke patients. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary approach is required to improve the QOL and overcome any disabilities among rural and urban stroke patients.
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