Determinants of depression in chronic stroke: a prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to identify factors that are significantly related to depression in chronic stroke patients.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study of stroke patients admitted for rehabilitation. A total of 165 first ever stroke patients over 18 years of age were assessed at one and three years post stroke. Depression was determined by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Patients with scores >/=16 were classified as depressed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify prognostic factors for depression.


RESULTS
At three years post stroke, 19% of the patients were depressed. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between post-stroke depression and type of stroke, fatigue, motor function of the leg and arm, activities of daily living (ADL) independency and instrumental ADL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that depression was predicted by one-year instrumental ADL and fatigue. Sensitivity of the model was 63%, while specificity was 85%.


CONCLUSIONS
The present prospective cohort study showed that depression three years after stroke can be predicted by instrumental ADL and fatigue one year post stroke. Recognition of prognostic factors in patients at risk may help clinicians to apply interventions aimed at preventing depression in chronic stroke.
van de Port
Ingrid G L
IG
Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine Utrecht, Rehabilitation Centre De Hoogstraat, Utrecht, The Netherlandz. i.v.d.port@dehoogstraat.nl
Kwakkel
Gert
G
Bruin
Margje
M
Lindeman
Eline
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*