Background The primary challenge faced by patients with aphasia is their difficulties in communicating, which likely contributes to lower employment rates, decreased social participation, and a decline in quality of life. Surprisingly, few studies have investigated the relationship between aphasia severity and these outcomes, particularly employment status. In this study, we addressed this gap by examining these socio-occupational outcomes as well as quality of life in individuals with chronic aphasia. Methods A cohort of 136 individuals with chronic aphasia following cerebrovascular diseases was recruited and investigated in a cross-sectional study. A multiple logistic regression model was used for employment status, and multiple linear regression models were used for both social participation levels and quality of life. Explanatory variables included both individual?s functions, such as aphasia severity, non-linguistic cognitive function, apathy levels, and mobility, as well as levels of social environmental barriers. Results Aphasia severity had a significant negative impact on two outcomes: employment status and quality of life. Additionally, social environmental barriers negatively affected quality of life. Lower mobility, male gender, and older age were related to reduced social participation levels. Employment status was not related to social participation levels nor quality of life. Conclusion This study found that the severity of aphasia significantly impacts individuals' occupational engagement, as well as their quality of life. Our findings shed light on potential treatment options during acute phases of stroke, linguistic rehabilitation, and occupational support for individuals with aphasia.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was conducted in the framework of a study on welfare services for persons with physical disabilities by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare funded by the 23GC2002.

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The ethical aspects of this study were reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Keio University School of Medicine. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before the study commenced.

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