ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between the social networks of stroke patients living in the community and their level of activity. Methods : This study analyzed 52 survey questionnaires given to stroke patients living in the community. This survey questionnaires were sent out to community relief centers, health centers, hospitals, etc., and collected by mail from April 22, 2011 to June 22, 2011. The method of data collection was through person-to-person interviews using structuralized questionaries. Results : The most frequent activity after the onset of a stroke were resting, watching TV, and thinking while sitting. As a result of the analysis of their social networks, the most important persons are their spouse and children in that order. 80.8 percent of survey respondents set a high value on natural supportive social networks. A high frequency of contact and persons living in close proximity make it easier to generate relationships. Among the items affecting the consistent activities for stroke patients, the ‘strength of the relationship (p<.05)’, ‘ distance (p<.01)’,‘ homogeneity (p<.05)’, and‘ frequency of contact (p<.01)’showed statistically significant outcomes. Conclusion : The factors that affect the social networks of stroke patients in a community were shown to be restricted to natural supportive social networks. We were able to determine the correlation between social networks and activity levels. The results of this study will have a significance in providing a return to the community for stroke patients with an adaptive plan, and in offering education to providers. This research is also expected to secure the validity of systematic management.