Depression and quality of life in patients with stroke

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Occupational Therapy, The University of Welfare & rehabilitation Sciences

2 Correspondence Author, Ph.D. of Neurosciences, Associated Professor of The University of Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences

3 M.Sc. of Occupational Therapy, Academic Member of The University of Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences

4 Ph.D. of Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Center, Associated Professor of The University of Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences

10.22122/jrrs.v6i2.144

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke, a major cause of disability, often results in After Stroke Depression (ASD) in many affected cases and has substantial adverse effects on the stroke survivor’s Quality Of Life (QOL). These two factors may have mutual interaction with each other. The present study aimed to examine the association between ASD and QOL in people with stroke.Methods: The relationship between ASD and QOL was examined in a cross-sectional study on patients more than 6 months post-stroke. Participants were recruited from patients attending the outpatient wards of two rehabilitation centers in Tehran.  QOL and mood was respectively assessed by Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI).Results: forty subjects (21 men and 19 women) with the mean age of 61.5 years (SD=±3.5 years) were interviewed 8.7±3.5 months post stroke. The prevalence of depression was 70.4%. Subjects with depression had significantly lower quality of life compared to those who had not any depression. There was a significant negative correlation between ASD and QOL (r= -0.81) (P< 0.001).Conclusion: A significant proportion of people with stroke attending the rehabilitation clinics had depression that can adversely affect their QOL.Keywords: stroke, after stroke depression, quality of life.