Work‐related predictors for return to work after stroke

OBJECTIVES: Disability due to stroke imposes a large burden on individuals, and on society, in terms of impaired work ability and sick leave. The reported return to work (RTW) rate after stroke varies globally and is influenced by a range of different aspects. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of work‐related factors on time to RTW after stroke, and possible differences between the sexes. MATERIALS & METHODS: Data from 204 persons with first‐time stroke in the years 2009‐2010 in Gothenburg, Sweden, who were of working age and had worked prior to their stroke, were analysed. Disease‐related characteristics were retrieved from medical records, and work‐related‐ and socio‐economic data were collected up to 6 years post‐stroke from Statistics Sweden and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Cox regression was used to analyse predictors for time to RTW. RESULTS: We identified qualified occupation and large organizational size as work‐related predictors for shorter time to RTW after stroke. Being male predicted a faster and higher frequency of RTW. Qualified occupation predicted shorter time to RTW in men but not in women. For women, the only predictor for RTW was physical dependency at discharge. CONCLUSION: Type of work and organizational size are work‐related factors of importance for RTW after stroke. Work‐related factors were important for RTW in men, but not in women. Reasons for differences between men and women in work‐related factors that influence RTW need to be further investigated to better understand how to support women in the RTW process.