Socioeconomic factors' effect on return to work after first stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Socioeconomics

Background:

• Stroke affects younger adults, impacting their careers and economic stability.
• Return to work (RTW) is a critical outcome following stroke, influenced by various patient factors.
• Understanding the interplay of socioeconomic status (SES) and functional status is crucial for stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between functional status, socioeconomic status, and RTW in young, first-time stroke patients in Sweden.
• To identify specific socioeconomic and functional factors that predict RTW within one year post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide register-based cohort study included employed patients aged 25-55 with a first stroke (2008-2011).
• Data on functional status, employment, income, education, and country of birth were obtained from national registers.
• The primary outcome was RTW within 12 months post-stroke.

Main Results:

• Of 2539 patients, 74.0% returned to work within 12 months.
• Lower income, non-Nordic country of birth, and younger age were associated with lower RTW rates.
• Pain, low mood, and needing assistance were more prevalent in lower SES groups, mediating the effect of income and country of birth on RTW.

Conclusions:

• Lower socioeconomic status is linked to reduced RTW rates one year after a first stroke.
• Impaired functional status in lower SES patients mediates socioeconomic disparities in RTW.
• Targeted interventions to improve functional status are essential for facilitating RTW in stroke survivors with lower SES.