Gender Differences in the Trajectory and Predictors of Unmet Needs Among Young Stroke Survivors: A Longitudinal Secondary Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Unmet post-stroke needs are associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes and delayed recovery. Because post-stroke challenges vary among genders, their unmet-need trajectories and predictors may also differ. However, these gender-specific patterns remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to examine the trajectory of unmet needs and identify predictors among young men and women stroke survivors across the first 6 months post-stroke.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal secondary data analysis. Data were drawn from a cohort of 122 stroke survivors aged 31 to 64 years who completed assessments at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-stroke. Unmet needs were measured using the Unmet Needs Questionnaire. Andersen's Behavioral Model guided the selection of predisposing, enabling, and need-related predictors. Gender-stratified generalized estimating equations were applied to evaluate changes in unmet needs and key predictors over time.

RESULTS

Unmet needs declined over time for both genders. Women reported fewer unmet needs in rehabilitation-related resources and economic and post-stroke life adjustment compared with men. Among men, worsening post-stroke memory emerged as the strongest predictor across several unmet-need domains. Among women, living alone consistently predicted higher unmet needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Young stroke survivors experienced decreasing unmet needs during the first 6 months; however, gender differences were evident in unmet needs and their predictors.