Study of the Relationship Between Social Deprivation and Outcome After Stroke

Abstract

Background and Purpose— Although the incidence and mortality of stroke are known to be inversely related to socioeconomic status (SES), the relationship between SES and recovery after stroke has been little-studied. This study has investigated the relationship between SES and case fatality, “death or dependency,” and “death or institutional care” at 6 months after stroke. Methods— Patients with acute stroke (n=2709) were identified using routine hospital discharge data and SES was measured using Carstairs scores (an ecological index of social deprivation). Case mix and treatment data were collected by medical chart review, case fatality by record linkage, and functional status and place of residence by questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to adjust the association of social deprivation and outcome for case mix and selected treatment variables. Results— With increasing social deprivation, patients were younger, more likely to live alone, and, on admission, more likely to need help to walk. Social de...