Depression and a lack of socialization are associated with high levels of boredom during stroke rehabilitation: An exploratory study using a new conceptual framework

ABSTRACT

This exploratory sub-study aimed to develop a framework to conceptualize boredom in stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation, establish the effect of an activity promotion intervention on boredom, and to investigate factors that are associated with boredom. A framework was developed and explored within a cluster non-randomised controlled trial. Self-reported boredom was measured in 160 stroke survivors 13 (±5) days after rehabilitation admission; 91 participants received usual-care (control) and 69 had access to a patient-driven model of activity promotion (intervention). Individuals with pre-existing dementia or unable to participate in standard rehabilitation were excluded. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic, health and activity measures associated with boredom. Results indicated 39% of participants were highly bored. There was no statistically significant difference in boredom levels between treatment groups (difference −11%, 95% CI −26% to 4%). The presence of depression (OR 6.17, 95% CI 2.57–14.79) and lower levels of socialization (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99) predicted high boredom levels. This comprehensive framework provides a foundation for understanding the many interacting factors associated with boredom. Results suggest managing depression and improving opportunities for socialization may support meaningful engagement in rehabilitation to optimize recovery following stroke.

KEYWORDS:

• Boredom
• Stroke
• Rehabilitation
• Engagement
• Healthcare environments

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all rehabilitation staff at each of the participating sites who were involved in AREISSA and all stroke survivors who participated in this sub-study.

Author contributions

KK, HJ and JB designed the study with input from CO and NJS; KK with support from CO performed the data analysis, KK and HJ drafted the initial manuscript and all authors contributed to the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, KK, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This sub-study was conducted as part of the first author’s PhD who received assistance from an Australian Government Research Training Programme Scholarship and a University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Scholarship. AREISSA was supported by the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network [grant number CVRN100334]; Greater Charitable Foundation Fellows in Stroke Research [grant G1300508]; Hunter Medical Research Institute [grant number G1300569]; and NIH/NCRR Colorado CTSI [grant number UL1 RR025780]. NJS was supported by a cofunded Australian NHMRC/NHF Career Development/Future Leader Fellowship [grant number GNT1110629/100827]. JB was supported by an NHMRC Established Fellowship [grant number N1058635].