Predictors of resignation from work after a stroke diagnosis among Japanese stroke survivors

Abstract Background We aimed to identify the predictors of resignation after stroke among Japanese stroke survivors (SSs). Methods We administered a questionnaire via e-mail to SSs who experienced sickness absence due to stroke and analysed the risk factors for resignation after sickness absence due to stroke. Results Of 387 employees with stroke, 82 (21.2%) resigned from their jobs. According to a multivariate analysis including all of the examined variables, employees with longer periods of sickness absence due to stroke (4 + months OR: 19.13, 95% CI: 6.70–54.59, p < 0.001; 1–3 months OR: 5.17, 95% CI: 1.84–14.54, p = 0.002), non-permanent workers (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.55–7.11, p = 0.002), and employees at smaller companies with fewer than 50 employees (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.03–5.38, p = 0.043) were significantly more likely to leave their jobs. Conclusions In total, 21.2% of Japanese employees quit their jobs after being diagnosed with a stroke. Experiencing a longer duration of sickness absence due to stroke, being a non-permanent worker, and working at a company with fewer than 50 employees were identified as predictors of resignation after stroke.