Prevalence of Depression among Stroke Survivors in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To estimate the prevalence of depression among stroke survivors in India.

Stroke survivors diagnosed with depression.

Prevalence of Depression.

Cochrane systematic review methods were followed. The literature search was from 1960-2019. We searched the following electronic databases Medline, ERIC, Embase, IndMED, PsycEXTRA, Global Health, Cochrane, CENTRAL Register, Econ Lit, and conference abstracts to identify studies for inclusion. A search strategy was appropriately developed and performed from May 2019 to December 2019. All included studies were assessed for their content and methodological quality using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist.

A total of 15 studies were included in this study. Prevalence of post-stroke depression in the studies varied from 24% to 90%. The pooled prevalence was 55% (95% CI 43%, 65%) with high heterogeneity (I²=94.83%). Prevalence also varied between the tools (HAMD -60%, GDS -70%, HADS -40%). The overall methodological quality of the included studies was very poor.

It is evident from the meta-analysis that about half of those who survive a stroke experience post-stroke depression. The methods and tools used to investigate this was not rigorous and homogeneous. Hence results of this review imply the need to rigorously assess and effectively address post-stroke depression in India. Also, this review recommends future research to ensure methodological quality and generalizability of the study findings. This would help develop scalable, innovative public health intervention for post-stroke depression in the future.