Monika Vestling , Bertil Tufvesson ^A1, Susanne Iwarsson ^A2
A1 Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
^A2 Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division for Occupational Therapy, University of Lund, Sweden
^A3 Department of Rehabilitation, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden. E-mail: Monika.Vestling@arb.lu.se

DOI: 10.1080/16501970310010475

Objectives. This study focuses on the continuation of gainful employment after experiencing stroke, addressing factors indicative of readiness for return to work, subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Methods. The target group comprised 120 patients, studied by means of medical records and postal questionnaires. Results. A total of 41% had returned to work, although there were changes concerning employers, assignments and working hours. Individuals who had returned to work reported a significantly higher level in subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Being able to walk meant the greatest chance of returning to work (odds ratio = 3. 98) followed by white-collar worker (odds ratio = 2. 99) and having preserved cognitive capacity (odds ratio = 2. 64). Conclusion. Returning to work after stroke is a major factor for high subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Three factors indicative of readiness for return to work were identified, providing implications for more efficient vocational rehabilitation programmes.