Abstract

Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.Sup / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.504 / e00504

Profile of stroke survivors attending a rehabilitation center in

Huambo, Angola: a cross-sectional observational study

Victor Nungulo1*, Mauer Gonçalves2, Ana Rita Pedrosa3, Rubén García-Fernández4, Maria Adriana Henriques5,

Cristina Baixinho6

1 PhD student. University of Lisbon. Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), 1900-160 Lisbon, Portugal.

Huambo Faculty of Medicine, José Eduardo dos Santos University, Huambo, Angola; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7277-4046

2 Centre for Advanced Studies in Medical Education and Training, Faculty of Medicine, Agostinho Neto University, Luanda, Angola;

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7937-7430

3 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal;

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9932-3963

4 SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, León, Spain. Nursing Research Innovation

and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6745-

6190

5 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal;

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-6653

6 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. Center

for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechcare), 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7417-1732

* Corresponding author: nungulovictory@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction

The continued rise in the global prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases, strongly associated with lifestyle factors,

is concerning and substantially affects patients’ quality of life. Despite therapeutic advances, residual sequelae

often persist, affecting self-care and functional status and, consequently, quality of life. In Angola, studies

assessing the functional and cognitive status of people undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation remain scarce.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the clinical, functional, and sociodemographic profile of stroke survivors

undergoing rehabilitation.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with 230 community-dwelling adults undergoing

rehabilitation at a specialized rehabilitation center. Data were collected between May and December 2024. The

Barthel Index, the Berg Balance Scale, the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, and

the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) were administered. We used χ² tests, ANOVA, or t tests, with

α = 0.05.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 56.35±12.77 years; 54.8% were men. Among caregivers, 57.8% were women; 46.1%

were aged ≥ 39 years; and 43.5% were participants’ children. Participants with higher Barthel Index and Berg

Balance Scale scores attended more rehabilitation sessions. Older participants were more dependent and had a

higher risk of falls and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

The sample shows a high burden of functional dependence and a substantial need for rehabilitation, with strong

involvement of family caregivers. The findings support nursing strategies focused on self-care and caregiver

education, and prospective studies should examine determinants and the effects of rehabilitation intensity.

Keywords

Stroke; Selfcare; Caregivers; Cognition; Functionality; Rehabilitation.

Referências

1. Nungulo VN, Gonçalves M, Henriques MA, Baixinho CL. Effectiveness of psychoeducational intervention

in promoting post-stroke self-care: a systematic literature review. Front Rehabil Sci [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026

Mar 4];6:1569526. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-

sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1569526/full