MAGNITUDE OF POST-STROKE DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG STROKE SURVIVORS ON FOLLOW-UP AT NEUROLOGY AND MEDICAL REFERRAL CLINICS AT ASELLA REFERRAL AND TEACHING HOSPITAL, ARSI UNIVERSITY, ASELLA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Post-stroke depression is among the most common neuropsychiatric complications in stroke survivors, affecting approximately one-third of stroke survivors at any point in time after stroke. Clinicians often under-recognize and under-treat post-stroke depression. Studies on post-stroke depression have been done in various countries. However, there are limited studies done in the Oromia region, and no studies have been done in the study area in particular. Objective: To assess the magnitude of post-stroke depression and associated factors among stroke survivors on follow-up at neurology and medical referral clinics at ARTH from June 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted based on a structured questionnaire, patient interviews, and a review of patient charts All the necessary data were collected from patients on follow-up at neurology and medical referral clinics using the pre-developed data collection format by Kobo Toolbox. A systematic random sampling method was used to identify the participants’ charts. After data collection was completed, data on kobo Toolbox were downloaded as Excel and exported to the SPSS 27 version software database for analysis. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the candidate variables at p value <0.25, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant factors at p value <0.05 Results: A total of 148 stroke survivors participated in the study, with a response rate of 97.4%. The overall prevalence of post-stroke depression was 33.1%(95% CI:25.5%- 40.7%). It was significantly associated with the degree of disability, marital status, occupation, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: The study showed that one-third of stroke survivors in our study area had post-stroke depression. It had a strong association with the degree of disability, marital status, occupation, and diabetes mellitus, with the degree of disability showing the strongest and most independent association with post-stroke depression. Routine screening and early management of depression should be integrated into post-stroke follow-up care. Keywords: Stroke, post-stroke depression, Prevalence, Associated factors, Neurology Clinic, Asella