Life events and social support in prediction of stroke outcome

A prospective study of 252 patients (average age 73, range 26-95) admitted to a regional general hospital over a 12-month period was carried out. 241 patients had stroke verified by the initial neurological examination and CT scan, and of these baseline data were not available on 27%. 34% died before or were not willing or able to provide data at follow-up. 39% survived and completed the study. Prestroke life events and social support could not predict the outcome of stroke rehabilitation measured as survival, length of stay, functional recovery (Barthel's Index) or placement at the follow-up 12 months after the onset of stroke. Age and arteriosclerotic heart disease predicted poor survival at follow-up. Premorbid hypertension, stroke, diabetes, obesity, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption did not significantly influence the outcome. Problems in stroke rehabilitation research are discussed.