Determinants of return to home after stroke: An analysis based on familys' views

[Purpose] To examine how the following factors would influence discharge to home: the family's view about the discharge destination at the time of the stroke patient's admission, the social background including the presence and sex of spouse and the number of family members, and the age of the patient. [Subjects] A total of 189 subjects with first time stroke were divided into 3 groups according to their families' views about discharge destination as follows: discharge to home group (96 subjects), discharge to facilities group (52 subjects), and undecided group (41 subjects). Each group was further divided into 2 sub-groups: discharge to home and discharge to facilities. [Methods] A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, considering the discharge destination as the response variables, and admission and discharge FIM scores of 18 items as explanatory variable. Also, in order to observe the influence of social background, comparisons by the presence and sex of spouse, by the number of family members, and by age were conducted. [Results] In a multivariate logistic regression analysis for all subjects at discharge, "eating" and "problem solving" were selected. In a comparison by age, a significant difference was recognized between those aged up to 79 years and those aged 80 years and older on the probability of discharge home. [Conclusion] The result suggests that eating and cognitive function play important roles in determining the discharge destination of stroke patients.