Current status and factors influencing readiness to return to work among young and middle-aged stroke patients in China

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Stroke is affecting an increasing number of individuals of working age, and accurate assessment of the readiness to return to work can help to determine the timing of return to work and facilitate an early return to society. The objective of this study was to investigate the current state of readiness to return to work and the factors influencing it among young and middle-aged stroke patients in China. Materials & Methods: A sample of young and middle-aged stroke patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Henan Province between December 2021 and May 2022 were included in this study. A general information questionnaire and the Readiness to Return to Work Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Stroke Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy Scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale were administered to the patients. Results: Of the 203 patients successfully surveyed, 60 (29.6%) were in the pre-intention stage, 35 (17.2%) in the intention stage, 81 (39.9%) in the action-readiness-self-assessment stage, and 27 (13.3%) in the action-readiness-action stage. A logistic regression analysis showed that education level, monthly income, time to start rehabilitation exercise, social support, rehabilitation self-efficacy, and fatigue severity were the main factors affecting the readiness of young and middle-aged stroke patients to return to work. Conclusion: The readiness of young and middle-aged stroke patients to return to work needs to be increased further. Healthcare professionals should consider the influencing factors of readiness to return to work and design targeted intervention programmes to facilitate successful return to work and normal life.