Tedium vitae in stroke survivors: a comparative cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide is a significant concern, particularly in stroke survivors.
• Understanding the psychological precursors to suicidal death is crucial.
• Tedium vitae, or feeling tired of life, is a potential psychological experience preceding suicidal ideation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the characteristics of tedium vitae in Nigerian stroke survivors.
• To investigate the prevalence of tedium vitae after a first-ever stroke.
• To explore associations between tedium vitae and demographic/clinical factors in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 130 Nigerian stroke survivors and 130 matched controls.
• Assessment of tedium vitae using the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry.
• Evaluation of global cognitive and executive functions using the Mini Mental State Examination and modified Indiana University Token test.
• Logistic regression analyses to explore associations.

Main Results:

• Tedium vitae was significantly more prevalent in stroke survivors (12.3%) compared to controls (3.9%).
• Retired individuals among stroke survivors were more likely to experience tedium vitae (56.2%).
• A 3.5-fold increased odds of experiencing tedium vitae were observed after stroke, even after adjusting for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, retirement, and marital separation.

Conclusions:

• Tedium vitae is a common psychological experience following stroke.
• It may serve as an early indicator of potential post-stroke suicidal ideation.
• Assessing tedium vitae offers a feasible and cost-effective approach for suicide research in stroke populations.