title: Return to work after stroke: The KOSCO Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the return to work status of patients with first-ever stroke with functional independence 6 months post-stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine hundred and thirty-three patients with functional independence at 6 months after stroke onset.
  
  
  METHODS
  A complete post-enumeration survey was performed through a review of the medical records for first admission. In addition, structured self-administered questionnaires and a face-to-face interview were performed assessing occupational status, quality of life, and emotional status at 6 months after stroke.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the patients in this study, 60.0% returned to work at 6 months after stroke. Sex, age, educational level, and comorbidity level were independent factors related to return to work. The rate of return to work in female patients under 65 years of age was similar to that of male patients 65 years of age or older. Stroke patients who returned to work showed better emotional statuses than those who did not return to work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many stroke patients did not return to work despite functional independence at 6 months after stroke. Based on the results of this study, we suggest providing appropriate vocational rehabilitation for stroke patients and proper education for employers to increase the rate of early return to work in stroke patients.
authors: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation, Heart Vascular and Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors: Won Hyuk
authors: WH
authors: Chang
authors: Min Kyun
authors: MK
authors: Sohn
authors: Jongmin
authors: J
authors: Lee
authors: Deog Young
authors: DY
authors: Kim
authors: Sam-Gyu
authors: SG
authors: Lee
authors: Yong-Il
authors: YI
authors: Shin
authors: Gyung-Jae
authors: GJ
authors: Oh
authors: Yang-Soo
authors: YS
authors: Lee
authors: Min Cheol
authors: MC
authors: Joo
authors: Eun Young
authors: EY
authors: Han
authors: Jeong Hyun
authors: JH
authors: Kim
authors: Yun-Hee
authors: YH
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D004644:Emotions; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D062707:Return to Work / Q000523:psychology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult