Depressive symptoms and associated factors following cerebrovascular accident among Nigerians

Background: Much has been written on post stroke depression in the last 10 years in developed countries. However little is known about this important condition in this environment, thus the need for this study. Aims: This study intends to estimate the prevalence of post stroke depression (PSD) and identify other associated factors. Methods: One hundred and eighteen stroke survivors, managed at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital (mean post stroke survival duration = 11 months) were compared with 118 hypertensive controls using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the modified Mini Mental State Examination (mMMSE). Sociodemographic variables were controlled for. Results: Sixteen (13.6%) control subjects compared with 47 representing 38.8% had significant depressive symptoms. Cognitive deficit, paresis and low education were identified as predictors of depressive symptoms (PSD) among survivors. Conclusion: Physicians need to be alert to this condition, especially since it can be treated and this will improve the quality of life among this group of patients.