Poststroke depression among stroke survivors in Sub-Himalayan region

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Stroke is a major cause of disability in India, with ischemic stroke comprising 85% of cases.
• Poststroke depression prevalence varies widely (5-54%) among survivors, impacting those in home-based rehabilitation.
• Understanding depression predictors in stroke survivors is vital for effective management and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and predictors of depression among stroke survivors undergoing home-based rehabilitation.
• To identify factors associated with poststroke depression in a North Indian tertiary care hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 138 stroke survivors.
• Utilized Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Barthel Index (BI), and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Employed binary and multivariate logistic regression to determine independent predictors of depression.

Main Results:

• 14% of stroke survivors reported depressive symptoms.
• Depression significantly correlated with disability (MRS) and functional independence (BI).
• Gender, stroke type, and lesion location also showed significant associations with depression.

Conclusions:

• Disability and functional independence are key independent predictors of poststroke depression.
• Clinicians should implement mandatory screening for depression in follow-up visits.
• Community reintegration and referral services are recommended for stroke survivors.