CHANGES IN LIFE HABITS AFFECTED BY MILD STROKE AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Objectives: To examine changes in sleep, driving, employment, relationships and leisure in the first year after a mild stroke and explore the association between the presence of depressive symptoms and improvement in participation 6 months later. Methods: Social participation (LIFE-H 3.1) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II) were measured in the first month (TO), 6 months and 1 year after mild stroke. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: There were 186 participants at TO, 149 at 6 months and 138 at 1 year. Mean age at TO was 63.3 +/- 12.5 years and 81/186 (43.6%) were female. All the life habits examined showed an improvement at 6 months and 1 year, except for having a sexual relationship (p=0.12) at 6 months, and sleep at 6 months (p=0.15) and 1 year (p=0.07). A significant association between the presence of depressive symptoms at TO and reduced participation at 6 months was obtained for driving a vehicle (p=0.02), participating in sports or recreational activities (p=0.01) and interpersonal relationships (p=0.003), but not for holding a paid job (p=0.06). Conclusion: Systematic screening for depression should be carried out upon discharge from hospital in order to better target individuals who have had a mild stroke and are in further need of rehabilitation.