ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A2504 RESILIENCE IN PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE STROKE

Abstract Background and aims Resilience is the ability to adapt to disturbances while maintaining healthy functioning. This ability is of major importance for adults of working age. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in this population. Until now, however, resilience has not been studied in juvenile stroke patients. This study analyzes resilience and its determinants in juvenile stroke patients. Methods Patients who experienced ischemic stroke at the age of 18-55 years were included in 11 hospitals in Central and South-West Germany. Their resilience was evaluated by means of resilience scale (RS-13) 6 months after stroke. Clinical parameters included demographics, anthropometrics, social status, topographical localization of stroke, stroke severity (NIHSS), Beck Depression Inventory II, Pain Disability Index (PDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate determinants of resilience. Results Of the 908 participants, 41% were female and had a mean age of 47.2±5.7 years. Independent determinants of stronger resilience included younger age, female gender, lower BDI-II and PSQI values, less severe strokes, and social support from caregivers. Conclusions This study is the first to evaluate resilience in a large cohort of juvenile stroke patients. The independent determinants of resilience identified in our analysis should be considered when designing stroke rehabilitation programs to improve outcomes. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose