The intention-behavior relationship of social activities among post-stroke patients

[Purpose] To clarify the intention-behavior relationship among stroke patients after discharge from hospital.

[Subjects] The subjects were 45 stroke patients.

[Methods] We conducted surveys using the Social Activities Scale (SAS) and Intention of performing Social Activities Scale (I-SAS) at hospital discharge (T1), 3 months after discharge (T2), and 6 months after discharge (T3). Changes in I-SAS were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and changes in SAS were analyzed using Student’s t-test. The relationship between the two scales was investigated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

[Results] Between T2 and T3 patients’ social activities decreased. Social activity at T2 was that predicted by intentions at T1, but the result of social activity at T3 showed that it could not be predicted by intentions at T2.

[Conclusion] At 6 months after discharge, patients’ social activities had declined, suggesting the emergence of an intention-behavior gap.