[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to understand factors present at baseline that
affect outcome and healthcare utilization post-stroke. We investigated the association
between the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and functional outcome (length of stay)
after hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Data from the Korean
National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey for 6 years, from 2005 to 2010, were
used. The t-test and analysis of variance were carried out to compare average differences
in the length of stay with the general characteristics in accordance with CCI. Multiple
regression analysis was carried out using dummy variables to look at factors affecting
stroke patients’ length of stay. [Results] Independent variables with significant
relationships with the log-transformed length of stay included gender, type of insurance,
the size of city of residence, the number of beds in the hospital, the location of the
medical institution, hospitalization path, receipt of physical therapy, treatment
involving brain surgery, death, the type of stroke, and CCI. [Conclusion] The results of
the present study suggests that CCI independently influences the length of stay after
ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and that variables with significant relationships with the
log-transformed length of stay need to be continuously managed.