Return to work after mild-to-moderate stroke: work satisfaction and predictive factors

Jet van der Kemp, Willeke J Kruithof*, Tanja C. W. Nijboer, Coen A M van Bennekom, Caroline van Heugten, Johanna M A Visser-Meily

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A large proportion of stroke patients are unable to return to work (RTW), although figures vary greatly. A total of 121 mild-to-moderate stroke patients, who had a paid job at the time of their stroke were included (a) to quantify RTW and work satisfaction one-year post-stroke (using the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation) and (b) to determine factors predicting RTW post-stroke, based on stroke-related, personal and neuropsychological variables. Half of the patients were not in work (28%) or were working less (22%) than pre-stroke. Ninety percent of those in fulltime employment post-stroke were satisfied with their occupational situation, against 36% of the unemployed participants. In regards to factors predicting RTW, global cognitive functioning (r = .19, Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and depressive symptoms (r = -.16, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at two months post-stroke onset were associated with return to work within one year. Only global cognitive functioning was an independent predictor of RTW (11.3% variance, p = .013). Although the explained variance was not that high, neuropsychological factors probably play a pivotal role in returning to work and should be taken into account during rehabilitation after mild and moderate stroke.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)638-653
Number of pages16
JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation
Volume29
Issue number4
Early online date26 Apr 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Journal Article
  • DEPRESSION SCALE
  • cognition
  • PROGNOSTIC-FACTORS
  • work satisfaction
  • HOSPITAL ANXIETY
  • COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
  • stroke
  • ACQUIRED BRAIN-INJURY
  • FACILITATORS
  • predictive factors
  • ISCHEMIC-STROKE
  • VALIDITY
  • SEVERITY
  • Return to work
  • LIFE

Cite this