[Morbidity and costs associated with depressive syndrome in stroke sufferers in a population]

To measure morbidity and the associated costs of depressive disorders (DD) in subjects who have had a stroke in a population treated by primary care settings under usual clinical practice conditions.

Cross-sectional, retrospective studies. Adult stroke patients with DD were included in the study, and treated by five primary care settings (PCS) during 2006. A comparative group was formed with the rest of non-DD patients. The main measurements taken were: age, sex, history/co-morbidity, Charlson index, clinical parameters and corresponding outpatient costs; drugs, diagnostic tests, referrals and visits. Multiple logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA were used to correct the models.

A total of 2,566 stroke patients were assessed. 17.7% (95% CI, 16.2-19.2%) were identified as having DD; average age: 69.5 years (12.6); 57.2% of those were female. In the correction of the model, females (OR: 2.1), obesity (OR: 1.1) and neuropathy (OR: 2.2), were significantly associated with DD in stroke patients. The adjusted total costs of DD were higher in most components, euro 2,037.55 versus euro 1,498.24, p < 0.001. 73.4% of the total cost was drugs-derived.

Prevalence of DD was higher in stroke patients, and was more associated with females, obesity and neuropathy. The patient cost is high and patients use more health resources.