Predictors of functional disability in people with ischemic stroke: two to three years after the stroke

Abstract

Objective: To analyze clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with functional disability in people with ischemic stroke (IS) between 2 and 3 years after the event. Method: Prospective cohort with 241 participants. Instruments for sociodemographic and clinical characterization, the Rankin-m Scale, and a telephone call protocol were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact tests and a robust Poisson model, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Of the participants, 62.6% had a Rankin of 0 to 2. Multivariate analysis showed that greater neurological deficit (6–13 and ≥14) was 2.35 (95% CI 1.13;4.05) and 4.4 (95% CI 2.09;6.83) times more associated with moderate to severe disability; failure to perform thrombolysis and ischemic stroke recurrence were, respectively, 3.02 (95% CI: 1.32;3.74) and 3.82 times (95% CI: 1.49;3.47) more associated with moderate to severe disability. Conclusion: The event impacted functional capacity, with greater neurological deficit, non-performance of thrombolysis, and stroke recurrence as the main predictors of disability. Strategies such as expanded thrombolysis, early care, ongoing rehabilitation, and risk factor control can reduce disability.