Abstract TP367: Dimensions of Social Support and Post-Stroke Depressive Symptoms in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of serious long-term disability worldwide. Post stroke depressive symptoms (PSDS) affect one third of stroke survivors. The prevalence of PSDS ranges from 17%–63.3% in Saudi stroke survivors. Stroke survivors use social support as a coping mechanism and as a protective factor against the adverse effects of stroke outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the nature of PSDS and to compare the influence of perceived and received social support among stroke survivors in Saudi Arabia. The aims were: (1) to examine the influence of perceived social support on PSDS, (2) to explore the nature of PSDS and received social support, and (3) to characterize the contribution of perceived social support and received social support and PSDS. A convergent embedded mixed methods design was used. 135 participants were recruited for the quantitative purpose from outpatient clinics and inpatient rehabilitation facilities in Saudi Arabia and 34 participants were selected from the original sample for qualitative purposes. The data were gathered using structured instruments and interviews. The findings were: (a) 54% had depressive symptoms (DS); (b) DS were negatively associated with perceived social support ( r = -.65, p < .001) and the functional independency ( r = -.45, p < .001), whereas perceived stress was positively associated ( r = .71, p < .001); (c) social support, stress level, and literacy were associated with DS (β = -.31, p < .001; β = .45, p < .001; β = .16, p = .01, respectively) and partially mediate the association of DS with functional independence; (d) there is a typology of experiencing DS and receiving social support, Satisfied and Deprived , and those with DS and social support, Discrepancies . The results of this mixed methods study show that a lack of social support was associated with DS. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data provided a broad, in-depth perspective on the nature of DS and social support influenced by individual’s life changes after stroke. Future research is needed to examine the interventions to improve social support among caregivers and to reduce DS in stroke survivors. 2