Study finds persistent socioeconomic inequalities in stroke outcomes but not care

There are important differences in outcomes after stroke between people with lower socioeconomic status (SES) - in this study, this means having lower-paying jobs or living in lower SES areas - and people with higher SES. People with lower SES:

• are more likely to be disabled.
• are more likely to have anxiety and/or depression.

These differences have persisted over time even though people in different SES groups have similar access to specialist stroke treatment.

To reduce these inequalities, different agencies (health care, social care, local government and others) need to work together to address medical and non-medical factors that influence stroke recovery.