Changes in life habits affected by mild stroke and their association with depressive symptoms

To examine changes in sleep, driving, employment, relationships and leisure in the first year after a mild stroke and explore the association between the presence of depressive symptoms and improvement in participation 6 months later.

Social participation (LIFE-H 3.1) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II) were measured in the first month (T0), 6 months and 1 year after mild stroke. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used.

There were 186 participants at T0, 149 at 6 months and 138 at 1 year. Mean age at T0 was 63.3 ± 12.5 years and 81/186 (43.6%) were female. All the life habits examined showed an improvement at 6 months and 1 year, except for having a sexual relationship (p = 0.12) at 6 months, and sleep at 6 months (p = 0.15) and 1 year (p = 0.07). A significant association between the presence of depressive symptoms at T0 and reduced participation at 6 months was obtained for driving a vehicle (p = 0.02), participating in sports or recreational activities (p = 0.01) and interpersonal relationships (p = 0.003), but not for holding a paid job (p = 0.06).

Systematic screening for depression should be carried out upon discharge from hospital in order to better target individuals who have had a mild stroke and are in further need of rehabilitation.