Professional reintegration of stroke survivors and their mental health, quality of life and community integration

Abstract

Purpose: To assess professional reintegration, the perceived impact of stroke on work, and the main determinants of return to work (RTW) among stroke survivors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, based on a cohort of stroke survivors. A structured questionnaire was administered to previously working stroke survivors, 18–24 months post-stroke. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, stroke features and their impact on work, access to rehabilitation services during hospital admission and after discharge, social support, and professional reintegration were reported by 553 stroke survivors. Results: On average, 56.6% (95% CI 52.4–60.8) of stroke survivors resumed professional activity, 20 months after stroke. Approximately 90% of survivors who RTW, returned to the same job and same function they performed before stroke. The majority did not receive reintegration support. The main determinants of RTW were lower age, higher socioeconomic status, and better functional status. Conclusions: Professional reintegration and vocational support after stroke, remained below the international goals for community reintegration of stroke survivors. Future studies should explore the impact of professional and social reintegration on the psychological health and quality of life of stroke survivors and the barriers, challenges, and strategies used to overcome them, to allow for effective professional reintegration policies.