Individual variation and task effects: Response to Inglis

Background: Stroke is a major global health problem. Aphasia, as a complication of stroke, has an impact on the quality of life (QOL). Few studies exist on the factors associated with QOL of people with aphasia (PwA), especially in communication, in emerging countries.

Aims: To evaluate factors associated with QOL in the domain of communication using Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (SAQOL-39) to assess PwA in the southern region of Brazil.

Methods &; Procedures: Medical files of participants diagnosed with ischaemic stroke admitted to a public hospital in Joinville, Brazil, from August 2010 to December 2011 were reviewed. QOL in PwA was assessed using SAQOL-39 scale. Some factors associated with prognosis of aphasia were assessed with respect to QOL with an emphasis on the communication domain.

Outcomes &; Results: Of 50 PwA evaluated, 60% were male. The mean age was 69.6 years and the average time after stroke was 11.7 months. Overall mean score on the SAQOL-39 scale was 3.09, standard deviation (SD) = 0.6, range = 1.67–4.62. The psycho-social domain demonstrated a statistical trend towards significance for the lowest score obtained (p = .09). The habit of reading pre- and post-onset of stroke, higher economic level, larger time post-onset of stroke and higher physical domain scores were significantly associated with higher scores in the communication domain. There was no association between the communication domain scores with age, gender, caregivers, number of inhabitants in the home and physical and social activity.

Conclusion: In the communication domain, reading showed positive implications on QOL. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of reading practices as a therapeutic option in PwA.