Perceived work situation and work ability among persons who are working one year after stroke.

OBJECTIVE To explore how persons who have returned to work perceive their work situation and work ability one year after stroke. DESIGN Cross-sectional design. SUBJECTS A total of 88 persons of working age (mean age 52 (standard deviation; SD 8) years, 36% women), with mild to moderate disabilities following stroke, who had returned to work after one year participated in the study. METHODS A survey including a questionnaire regarding psychological and social factors at work (QPS Nordic) and 4 questions from the Work Ability Index (WAI) was posted to the participants. RESULTS According to the QPS Nordic survey, 69-94% of respondents perceived their work duties as well defined, and were content with their work performance. Most participants had good social support at work and at home. Between 51% and 64% of respondents reported that they seldom felt stressed at work, seldom had to work overtime, or that work demands interfered with family life. According to the WAI ≥75% of respondents perceived their work ability as sufficient, and they were rather sure that they would still be working 2 years hence. CONCLUSION Persons who have returned to work one year after stroke appear to be content with their work situation and work ability. Appreciation at work, well-defined and meaningful work duties and support seem to be important for a sustainable work situation.