Abstract

Mshelia Anthony Ali*, Onyencho Victor Chidi, Pindar Sadique Kwajaffa, Ogualili Placidus Nwakuba, Uba Markus Njidda and Muhammad Abba Fugu

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study assessed the association of depression and disability among one hundred and ninety one (191) stroke survivors, noting that depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders occurring after stroke with its antecedent disabilities in individuals afflicted by stroke because of its association with a spectrum of complications ranging from physical, cognitive, social and/or role-functioning impairment and it significantly alters lives of survivors and their families. Aims: To examine the association between demographic variables, depression, and disability among stroke survivors, and also determine the extent to which psychopathology contributes to impairments in the survivors. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, accidental sampling technique was used to select 191 hypertensives outpatients with or without diabetes with CVA from State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, age ranged from 18-95 years and had a stroke at least two months prior were interviewed with depression module of the structured clinical interview for DSM IV axis one disorders (SCID), Hamilton depression scale (HDS) and Brief disability questionnaire (BDQ). Result: The prevalence of depression was 52.9% and 87.4% of the stroke survivors had a severe disability. Depression among the survivors was associated with shorter duration of CVA of less than a year (?2 (2) =22.230; P=0.000). There was a significant association between younger age and depression (?2 (2) =12.515; P=0.002). Conclusion: The findings revealed the significance and association of depression and disability among stroke survivors. Therefore there is need to integrate post stroke psychological, psychiatric and psychosocial interventions to this susceptible group to facilitate their rehabilitation and improve their psychological well-being and recovery.