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Stroke, vascular risk factors and depression: Cross-sectional study in a UK Caribbean-born population
Background:
Stroke, hypertension and diabetes are common in older Caribbean-born populations in the UK who may be at risk of depression secondary to vascular disease.
Aims:
We examined the association between stroke, vascular risk factors and depression in a community-based Caribbean-born population aged 55-75 years.
Method:
Vascular risk factors were identified by interview, examination and blood tests. Depression was categorised using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Disablement was assessed as a potential mediating factor.
Results:
Physical illness and disablement were strongly associated with depression, independent of disablement. Previous stroke was associated with depression, independent of disablement. No vascular risk factors were associated with depression.
Conclusions:
The risk of depression associated with stroke was not explained by disablement. However, the hypothesis that vascular risk factors are important in the genesis of depression was not supported.