The association of stroke with mental and physical disorders in US adults: A nationally representative study

Stroke has been linked to various physical and mental disorders, with both stroke and its comorbidities significantly impacting public health. In this population-based study, we evaluate the relationships between stroke, physical conditions, mental disorders, and their effect on quality of life. Data were gathered from a nationally representative sample of 36,309 civilian participants aged 18 years and older in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. We examined the prevalence of past-year stroke, its sociodemographic characteristics, and its associations with past-year mental disorders (according to the DSM-5) and physical conditions. Furthermore, we explored the connections between stroke and health-related quality of life, accounting for comorbidities. The past 12-month stroke prevalence was estimated at 0.82%. Participants with stroke exhibited a significantly higher past 12-month mental disorder prevalence than those without stroke. Specifically, individuals with stroke faced a higher risk of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, tobacco use disorder, and opioid use disorder compared to those without stroke. Stroke was also positively associated with 24 out of the 27 physical conditions assessed in this study. Participants with stroke experienced lower mental and physical quality of life compared to those without stroke. Stroke was significantly related to numerous mental and physical disorders. The association of stroke with diminished health-related quality of life was not only mediated by these comorbidities but should also be considered as inherently linked to stroke itself.