Investigating the Quality of Life and Factors Affecting It in Stroke Patients in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Determining the quality of life of patients and its dimensions can help treatment staff, patients' caregivers, and patients themselves in choosing effective treatment methods to improve their health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality of life and its affecting factors in stroke patients in Iran using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In this study, relevant articles on the quality of life in stroke patients in Iran were extracted from the domestic and international databases of Magiran, Medlib, SID ISI, PubMed, Scopus, without a time limit. After extraction and quality assessment using the STROBE checklist, article data were entered into comparative tables. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index and Cochrane's Q-test. Analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Findings: After searching for articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 articles were included in the final analysis. The findings of the present study showed that out of 19 studies, the highest mean total score for patients' quality of life was 191.26, and among the physical, social and mental health dimensions of stroke patients' quality of life, the highest mean score was related to the physical health dimension (87.5). Meta-analysis using a random-effects model showed the mean quality of life score for stroke patients in Iran was 90.4 (95 confidence interval). Conclusion: Quality of life in stroke patients is positively correlated with rehabilitation interventions, increased income, social support, marriage, e-learning, Sertaline use, mental exercises and education. Negative correlations were observed with depression, fear of falling and hypertension. Therefore, while paying attention to the importance of these factors, education and continuous care for these patients are emphasized. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.