Promoting psychosocial well-being following stroke: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Stroke is a leading global health concern, significantly impacting survivors' psychosocial well-being.
• Prevalence of depressive symptoms (approx. 33%) and anxiety (20%) is high post-stroke.
• Psychosocial difficulties negatively affect long-term function, quality of life, rehabilitation efficacy, and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a dialogue-based psychosocial intervention for stroke survivors.
• To promote psychosocial well-being and enhance coping mechanisms in individuals post-stroke.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on stroke survivors with and without aphasia.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter, randomized, single-blind controlled trial with 330 stroke survivors.
• Intervention group received 8 individual supported dialogue sessions; control group received usual care.
• Primary outcome: psychosocial well-being (GHQ); Secondary outcomes: quality of life (SAQoL), sense of coherence (SOC), depression (Yale).

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing, and results are pending.
• A thorough process evaluation using qualitative interviews and fidelity analysis will be conducted.
• The intervention is based on extensive development and feasibility testing.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol is grounded in robust development and feasibility work.
• It integrates effectiveness evaluation with a comprehensive process evaluation.
• Findings may guide future trials and psychosocial care strategies for home-dwelling stroke patients.