Return to Work 2-5 Years After Stroke: A Cross Sectional Study in a Hospital-Based Population

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Stroke survivors often face challenges returning to gainful employment.
• Factors influencing return to work (RTW) after stroke require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with RTW in patients 2-5 years post-stroke.
• To analyze the relationship between health status and RTW outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 46 patients <65 years, employed before stroke, 2-5 years post-hospitalization.
• Utilized questionnaires assessing physical functioning (FAI), mental health (HADS), coping (COPE), quality of life (SF-36, EQ-5D), and caregiver strain (CSI).
• Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender to determine associations with RTW.

Main Results:

• Only 39% of patients returned to work.
• Shorter hospitalization duration was associated with RTW (OR 0.87).
• Lower depression scores (HADS), less avoidant coping, better physical functioning (FAI), mental component scores (SF-36), quality of life (EQ-5D), and lower caregiver strain (CSI) were linked to RTW.

Conclusions:

• Return to work after stroke is achieved by a minority of patients.
• Shorter initial hospital stay, improved mental health, physical function, and quality of life positively influence RTW.
• Effective interventions supporting RTW are crucial, addressing physical, mental, and quality of life aspects.