Factors associated with work ability among persons who have returned to work after stroke: a cross-sectional study

Christina Brogårdh, Anna Norlander, Helene Pessah-Rasmussen, Ingrid Lindgren
Purpose:

To explore the associations between perceived work ability and personal, stroke-related and work-related factors among persons who are working one year after stroke. 

Methods:

A total of 88 individuals, median (IQR) age 53 (45-58) years at stroke onset, who were working one year after stroke were included. They responded to a postal survey including questions on demographics, stroke-related impairments, work situation, and the following rating scales: Work ability Index, Stroke Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, General Self Efficacy Scale and The General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work (QPS Nordic). Data were analyzed with uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses, with Work Ability Index as the dependent variable. Two multivariable regression models were created, one for personal and stroke-related factors and one for work-related factors. 

Results:

Among personal and stroke-related factors, fatigue had the strongest association to work ability in the multivariable model (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.7, p0.001). Among work-related factors monthly income, mastery of work and interaction between work and private life were significantly associated with work ability (p=0.005-0.008). Of these, monthly income had the strongest association to work ability (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.6-21.4) followed by mastery of work (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.3). 

Conclusion(s):

Both stroke-related and work-related factors contributed to perceived work ability among persons who had returned to work one year after stroke. Thus, several factors need to be evaluated and addressed to improve work ability and achieve a sustainable work situation for individuals who are working after stroke. 

Implications:

A steady monthly income, and a sustainable work situation including a work-life balance are important for people's health and well-being. To support people who have returned to work after a stroke to achieve a sustainable situation, it is important that physiotherapists and other health professionals provide interventions that include such aspects.

Funding acknowledgements:
NEURO Sweden, the Swedish Stroke Association, the Promobilia Foundation, and the Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation.
Keywords:
Stroke
Work ability
Associated factors
Primary topic:
Neurology
Second topic:
Neurology: stroke
Third topic:
Sustainable health
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Review Board in Lund, Sweden.
Provide the ethics approval number:
Dnr 2016/1064
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

Back to the listing