BACKGROUND

This is the first study conducted to determine the predictors of outpatient based rehabilitation cost in the local setting. This aimed to determine whether demographic and clinical characteristics of post-stroke patients are predictors of direct medical costs for outpatient-based rehabilitation.

A retrospective single-arm cohort study was utilized to determine the predictors of direct medical cost for out patient based post-stroke rehabilitation seen at the rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023.

A significant association was found between direct cost and smoking. Additionally, an association between direct cost and hypertension was evident. No significant associations were identified between direct rehabilitation cost and other factors such as age, sex, mRS score, type of stroke, intervention, and other co-morbidities, aside from hypertension and smoking.

Smoking and hypertension are predictors of direct medical cost for outpatient-based post stroke rehabilitation. These factors necessitate more intensive therapy and longer rehabilitation periods as compared to other factors which did not have significant associations with cost.