Factors associated with perceived work ability among people working one year after stroke: an exploratory cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of factors contributing to sustained work ability after stroke is limited. This study explored the association between perceived work ability and personal, stroke-related and work-related factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Individuals working 1 year after stroke. METHODS: A postal survey was completed by 88 individuals. The survey comprised questions on demographics, personal, stroke-related and work-related factors, and a set of validated questionnaires including the Work Ability Index (WAI). Data were analysed using logistic regression analyses with perceived overall work ability (WAI item 1) as the dependent variable (good or excellent vs poor or moderate work ability). RESULTS: Good or excellent work ability was perceived by 59% of the participants. In the final multivariable regression analyses, greater fatigue (OR 0.4; p < 0.001) and a poor work-life balance (OR 0.4; p < 0.005) were associated with lower odds for perceiving good or excellent work ability, whereas a higher monthly income (OR 5.8; p < 0.008) and greater mastery of work (OR 3.2; p < 0.007) were associated with higher odds. CONCLUSION: Both stroke-related and work-related factors were associated with perceived work ability among individuals working 1 year after stroke. This indicates that several aspects need to be addressed to accomplish a sustainable work situation after stroke.