Abstract
We aim to study the rates and correlating factors of stroke patients returning to work after treatment
byretrospective descriptive cohort at Prasat Neurological Institute. 198 stroke patients who received treatment
and were subsequently discharged from the Prasat Neurological Institute during January 2010 to
December 2011.Patient medical records were reviewed to select patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria
of the study. Follow-up questionnaires about patient’s return to work were sent to the patients via post.
71.72 % of the 198 stroke patients surveyed could return to work. Statistically significant differences
were found when accounting for occupation, job characteristics, muscle weakness, aphasia of speech,
altered level of consciousness (Glasgow coma score<15), pre-discharge Barthel Index (BI) score, and physical
therapy during hospital admission. Multivariate analysis indicated that only occupation and pre-discharge
BI score contributed to the prediction of returning to work. Patients from private companies vs. governmental
employees had BI scores of 80-100 vs. 0-39, with an odds ratio of 1.279 (0.255-6.41) and 7.333 (2.821-
19.062) respectively. Significant predictors for returning to work after stroke were occupation and predischarge
BI score.
