ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify the social network type of patients suffering from a stroke to find out the effects of their activities of daily living. Methods : This study analyzed 95 survey questionnaires given to stroke patients receiving rehabilitation treatment at hospitals located in the Daejeon, Chungcheongnamdo, and Gyeonggido areas. The survey questionnaires were collected from September 5, 2012 to November 30, 2012. The activities of daily living of the patients were evaluated by an occupational therapist, and the social network questionnaires were written directly under the supervision of this same therapist. Results : As the social networks of patients post-stroke, the relationships with family members were closer than the relationships with neighbors or friends. Stroke patients who perform basic activities of daily living independently have closer relationships between their neighbors and friends, and those with dependent activities of daily living have closer relationships with their family. When performing instrumental activities of daily living for the stroke patients more independently, the social networks for all groups including family, friends, and neighbors, appeared to be good. Conclusion : This study determined the types of family-centered social networks of stroke patients. We were also able to determine the correlation between social networks and activities of daily living for stroke patients. The results of this study suggest that stroke patients with a good ability to perform activities of daily living, and who have social support through good relationships with their neighbors and friends, should return to society.