Depressive symptoms in acute stroke: A cross-sectional study of their association with sociodemographics and clinical factors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) in the acute phase following first-ever stroke, and to identify its sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Data were collected in a cross-sectional correlational study from face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and patients' medical records. The sample consisted of 109 patients with first-ever stroke. Depressive symptoms after stroke were measured with Beck Depression Inventory II. Mild, moderate or severe depressive symptoms were reported by 27% of the participants. PSD was uniquely associated with post-stroke fatigue, sleep latency and sleep disturbance. Patients with PSD also reported slightly more bodily pain. Stroke type, stroke location, and the sociodemographic characteristics we examined were unrelated to PSD. Further research is needed to assess the role sleep changes, fatigue and bodily pain might have in relation to depression in the acute phase after stroke.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Sleep
• Pain
• Acute phase

Acknowledgments

This paper stems from the research project on post-stroke fatigue for which Hesook Suzie Kim is the project director and Grethe Eilertsen, Anners Lerdal, and Heidi Ormstad are the principal researchers. This study is funded by the Research Council of Norway and Buskerud University College. The authors acknowledge the support and assistance provided by various staff members of Buskerud Hospital in Drammen and Aker Hospital in Oslo, Norway in carrying out this research project, especially Gunn Pedersen who worked as a research assistant and participated in data collection.