A Study of Risk Factors and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Stroke Patients

Objective: Exploring risk factors and predictors of anxiety and depression in stroke patients. Method: 336 cases of stroke patients who received treatment in the ward of Yancheng Hospital and underwent rehabilitation in the rehabilitation center from April 2024 to July 2024 were selected. The researchers administered a questionnaire to the included patients, which consisted of the General Information Questionnaire (basic information), the Barthel Index Scale (ability of daily life activities), the Collaborative Social Support Scale (social support), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The correlation between each of the studied factors and post-stroke anxiety/depression was analyzed by applying Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple regression was used to analyze the factors influencing post-stroke depression/anxiety. Results: Of the 336 stroke patients 34.6% were depressed and 41.1% were anxious. Univariate correlation analyzes the ability of daily life activities and social support was significantly negatively correlated with post-stroke anxiety/depression (P<0.05); being married and care by immediate family members were significantly positively correlated with lower post-stroke anxiety/depression levels (P<0.05); and higher family financial income and knowledge of the disease were significantly positively correlated with lower post-stroke anxiety/depression levels (P<0.05). The results of multifactorial regression analyses showed that marriage, caregiving style, economic status, knowledge of the disease, ability to daily life activities, and social support were the factors influencing post-stroke depression/ anxiety. Conclusion: The frequency of post-stroke anxiety/depression in the Yancheng area was slightly higher than the level in other areas. The absence of a spouse, absence of immediate family care, low family economic income, and lack of knowledge about the disease are the main risk factors for PSA/PSD. The ability of daily life activities and social support were the predictors of post-stroke anxiety/depression.