Role of buddhist practices on emotional Distress in stroke survivors

Abstract

Purpose: Emotional distress often follows a stroke and can impede the process of rehabilitation in stroke survivors. The aim of this study was to examine the association of mental state, functional status, Buddhist values and Buddhist practices, respectively, with emotional distress among Thai patients after having a stroke. Methods: We surveyed 190 stroke survivors who participated in a home health care physical therapy service. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel index (BI) were used to assess mental state and functional status, respectively. The stroke survivors completed a questionnaire measuring Buddhist values, Buddhist practices, and Thai Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: We found HADS scores were related to MMSE (r=−.27, p=.000), BI (r=−.32, p=.000), Buddhist values (r=−.16, p=.030), and Buddhist practices (r=−.25, p=.001). In a hierarchical regression analysis, Buddhist practices were significantly associated with HADS scores when controlling for MMSE and BI (R2 change=.04, F (2,182) = 4.36, p=.014). No relationship was found between Buddhist values and HADS scores in this hierarchical regression model. Conclusion: In Thai stroke survivors, Buddhist practices seem to improve emotional status. Therefore, stroke rehabilitation programs should include religious practices.