Distribution of symptoms of post-stroke depression in relation to some characteristics of the vulnerable patients in socio-cultural context

Sam C Ibeneme,Dnyanesh Limaye,Muideen O Bakare,Georgian C Ibeneme,Akachukwu O Nwosu Nwosu,Gerhard Fortwengel

doi:10.4314/ahs.v17i1.10

Abstract

To determine the distribution of symptoms of post-stroke depression (PSD) in relation to some predisposing factors in an African population. Environment is a key determinant of behavior, and varied socio-cultural contexts must have implications for modifiable characteristics (age, duration of the stroke, marital status, type of employment, gender, the location of cerebral lesion and complications) of individuals vulnerable to PSD, which may be targeted to enhance recovery. This was a cross-sectional observational study of 50 (22 females and 28 males) stroke survivors (mean age=54.76±8.79 years), at the physiotherapy department, the University of Nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu, selected using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using Becks Depression Inventory and analyzed using Z-score, Chi-square test and univariate logistic regression, at p<0.05. PSD was more prevalent in females (45.45%); young(100%); middle-age(60%) adults(27-36/47-56 years respectively); living with spouse (45%); left cerebral lesions (40.74%); complications(45%); cold case >3 years(47.05%); self-employed and unemployed (66.67%), respectively. Age was significantly associated with depression (χ2 =4.92,df=1,p=0.03), and was related to the risk of PSD (3.7[1.1-12.0], p=0.03, φ +0.31, φ2=0.1). Age could be a risk factor for PSD, which was more prevalent in the elderly than young/middle-age adults, female gender, left cerebral lesion, complications, cold case; those living with a spouse, self-employed and unemployed.

Highlights

An insight into the link between the biological, social, and interpretive orientations that determines an individual’s emotional behavior, elucidates the basis for likely differences in emotional expression in socio-cultural contexts[1]
Distribution of the symptoms of post-stroke depression (PSD) based on age range, duration of the stroke, living with a spouse, type of employment, gender, anatomic location of cerebral lesions and complications, showed varied outcomes, respectively
Though this study revealed no significant association between the location of the cerebral lesion and symptoms of PSD, there was a dominant trend characterized by the prevalence of the symptoms of PSD in most of those with left rather than right cerebral lesions

Summary

Introduction

An insight into the link between the biological, social, and interpretive orientations that determines an individual’s emotional behavior, elucidates the basis for likely differences in emotional expression in socio-cultural contexts[1]. This may have implications for etiopathology and treatment of mood disorders, including post-stroke depression (PSD). The occurrence of post-stroke depression (PSD) has been associated with poorer treatment outcomes and increased the length of stay in hospital[2]. The occurrence or persistence of PSD >3 years after stroke can impede the process of rehabilitation[2].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion