Fatigue Influences Social Participation in Aphasia: A Cross-sectional and Retrospective Study Using Patient-Reported Measures

Objective: To examine associations between social participation, fatigue, and aphasia severity using patient-reported outcome measures and to examine associations between demographic/diagnostic variables and fatigue in people with aphasia. Design: Retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcome measures using a Bayesian framework. Setting: Urban rehabilitation research hospital. Participants: 67 participants (N=67) with chronic aphasia (mean age=54.1 years) as a consequence of stroke. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, Fatigue, and Global Health Questionnaire scales from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System initiative and the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised. We hypothesized an association between social participation and fatigue in people with aphasia. Results: People with aphasia with higher fatigue levels tended to report less social participation. Also, people with aphasia who were a longer time post-stroke tended to report higher social participation. People with aphasia who reported better physical health were more likely to report higher social participation. Conclusions: There is an association between fatigue and social participation in people with aphasia. Fatigue should be considered in clinical assessments and treatments for this population.