The Impact of One's Sex and Social Living Situation on Rehabilitation Outcomes After a Stroke

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate sex differences and the impact of social living situation on individual functional independence measure outcomes after stroke rehabilitation. Design A retrospective observational study using Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (N = 125,548) who were discharged from inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2013 and 2014 after a stroke. Discharge individual functional independence measure score, dichotomized as >= 5 and <5, was the primary outcome measure. A two-step generalized linear mixed model was used to measure the effect of sex on each functional independence measure item while controlling for many clinical and sociodemographic covariates. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors, females had higher odds of reaching a supervision level for 14 of 18 functional independence measure items. Males had higher odds of reaching a supervision level on 2 of 18 functional independence measure items. Individuals who lived alone before their stroke had higher odds of reaching a supervision level than individuals who lived with a caregiver or with family for all functional independence measure items. Conclusions When sociodemographic and clinical factors are controlled, females are more likely to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation at a supervision level or better for most functional independence measure items. Individuals who live alone before their stroke have higher odds of discharging at a supervision level or better.