Abstract Background and aims Although fatigue is common after stroke, up-to-date knowledge about gender-specific differences in severity, impact on daily life, and persistence over time is limited. Here, we investigated the occurrence, severity, and impact of fatigue at 3 and 12 months after first-ever ischemic stroke, including changes over time and sex differences. Methods Participants were consecutively included in the Lund Stroke Recovery Study at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden, between 2021 and 2023. Self-reported fatigue was assessed by the Swedish Fatigue Assessment Scale (S-FAS) at 3- and 12-months post-stroke. S-FAS total scores ≥24 indicate fatigue; 24-35 = moderate fatigue, 36-50 = severe fatigue (range 10-50). Results Two hundred sixty-eight participants (91 women, median age 73) were included. At 3- and 12-months, fatigue (S-FAS ≥24) was reported by 30% and 28% of the men, and by 46% and 42% of the women. Moderate fatigue was most common in both sexes at both timepoints. The problems most frequently reported among both sexes were being bothered by fatigue, getting tired very quickly, and not doing much during the day. Overall, fatigue decreased significantly over the first year in both men (S-FAS median score from 31 to 27, P = 0.037) and women (S-FAS median score from 30 to 27, P = 0.007). Conclusions Fatigue is common after first-ever ischemic stroke, particularly in women, and affects daily life negatively. Although fatigue decreased over the first year, it was still prevalent at 12 months in several individuals. Reassessment of both fatigue severity and its consequences over time is crucial in order to provide person-centered rehabilitation interventions. Conflict of interest Christina Brogårdh has received funding from Skåne University Hospital, the Promobilia Foundation and the Kockska Foundation; Sara Brycke: nothing to disclose; Anna Norlander: nothing to disclose; Erik Blennow Nordström: nothing to disclose; Arne G Lindgren reports consultation fees from Arega and acknowledges research support from the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation; the Swedish Brain Foundation; the FGS Fang Foundation; the Swedish Stroke Association; Region Skåne; Lund University; Skåne University Hospital; and the Fremasons Lodge of Instruction Eos in Lund.
Brogårdh et al. (2026) studied this question.