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Published on: October 11, 2024
Handicap 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study
Seana L Gall1, Helen M Dewey, Jonathan W Sturm
1National Stroke Research Institute, Austin Health-Repatriation Campus, Heidelberg Heights, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Seana.Gall@utas.edu.au
Background:
Handicap is rarely comprehensively examined after stroke. We examined handicap among 5-year stroke survivors from an 'ideal' stroke incidence study.
Methods:
Survivors were assessed with the London Handicap Scale [LHS, score range: 0 (greatest handicap) to 100 (least handicap)]. Multivariable regression was used to examine demographic, risk and stroke-related factors associated with handicap.
Results:
351 of 441 (80%) survivors were assessed. Those assessed were more often Australian born than those not assessed (p < 0.05). The mean LHS score was 73 (SD = 21). The greatest handicap was present for physical independence and occupation/leisure items. Handicap was associated with older age, manual occupations, smoking, initial stroke severity, recurrent stroke and mood disorders.
Conclusion:
Reducing recurrent stroke, through better risk factor management, is likely to reduce handicap. The association between handicap and mood disorders, which are potentially modifiable, warrants further investigation.
