Discharge outcomes as predictors of social participation in the community after a stroke: a cohort study

The mapping of possible predictors of restrictions in the social participation of people after stroke in the community can be an essential tool to support the development of rehabilitation strategies even in the hospital environment. This study aimed to identify whether mobility, functional balance and dependence on functionality at hospital discharge can predict restrictions on social participation 1 year after stroke in the community. This is a hospital-based cohort study, with individuals over 18 years old admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke included. People with dementia, previous functional limitations and cancer patients were omitted. Mobility, balance and functional independence were the predictor variables at hospital discharge, and the outcome of interest was social participation assessed 1 year after a stroke in the community. Forty-eight patients were included after a 1-year follow-up. The degree of functional independence at hospital discharge ( β  = 0.813; P  < 0.01) was the independent predictor of social participation, specifically the locomotion ( β  = 0.452; P  < 0.001) and social cognition ( β  = 0.462; P  < 0.001) related to functional independence. Mobility ( β  = 0.040; P  = 0.777) and functional balance ( β  = 0.060; P  = 0.652) did not show an independent association. Cognitive functional independence was a predictor of daily activities ( β  = 0.786; P  < 0.001), social roles ( β  = 0.390; P  = 0.014) and satisfaction ( β  = 0.564; P  < 0.001) of social participation. The degree of functional independence of people after a stroke at hospital discharge was able to predict the level of social involvement in the community one year after the stroke.