Handicap 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study.

Abstract

Handicap is rarely comprehensively examined after stroke. We examined handicap among 5-year stroke survivors from an 'ideal' stroke incidence study.Survivors were assessed with the London Handicap Scale [LHS, score range: 0 (greatest handicap) to 100 (least handicap)]. Multivariable regression was used to examine demographic, risk and stroke-related factors associated with handicap.351 of 441 (80%) survivors were assessed. Those assessed were more often Australian born than those not assessed (p < 0.05). The mean LHS score was 73 (SD = 21). The greatest handicap was present for physical independence and occupation/leisure items. Handicap was associated with older age, manual occupations, smoking, initial stroke severity, recurrent stroke and mood disorders.Reducing recurrent stroke, through better risk factor management, is likely to reduce handicap. The association between handicap and mood disorders, which are potentially modifiable, warrants further investigation.