Study of Factor Associated with Post Stroke Depression in the Teaching Hospital of Fann (Dakar-Senegal)

Abstract

Introduction: Strokes are becoming more common in Africa, they are often accompanied by depressive symptoms, hence the need to investigate the factors associated with it for better management and prevention. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study amongst patients hospitalized with stroke at the Neurology/Neuroscience Clinic of the FANN UNHC (Dakar) in 2016. After a clinical diagnosis, patients are subjected to socio-demographic questionnaire and were administered with modified Rankin and MADRS scores. Results: Among the patients, 33.7% had Post-Stroke Depression, most were aged 50 to 70 years, male and married. History of stroke and depression was strongly associated with Post-Stroke Depression, while functional or cognitive impairment caused by stroke contributed to the development of Post Stroke depression. The type of ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke did not appear to affect the occurrence of the Post-Stroke Depression, but Post-Stroke Depression was more frequent in subjects with a left hemispheric lesion 47.8% (p < 0.05). Discussion: The occurrence of a Post-Stroke Depression is a factor of poor prognosis, early diagnosis and holistic care lead to improved quality of life.