ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1205 UNMET MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS AMONG STROKE SURVIVORS DURING POST-ACUTE REHABILITATION: AN EXPLORATORY DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Mental health problems are common after stroke, yet survivors’ mental health needs remain understudied. This exploratory study describes mental health support reported and unmet healthcare needs during post-acute rehabilitation. Methods This secondary analysis draws data from a sample of 68 adult stroke survivors participating in a Canadian rehabilitation clinical trial, recruited between 2020 and 2024. Participants self-reported mental health-related support received since stroke, perceived adequacy of care and unmet needs at 6 months following enrollment. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Results In the current sample, 71% of participants reported receiving no mental health-related support. Among the few that received mental healthcare, counseling, therapy, or interpersonal support was reported by 10 (15%), medication by 8 (12%), and information related to mental health problems or services by 8 (12%). Among those who reported on perceived adequacy of care (n=63), 50 (79%) reported receiving all the help they needed, while 6 (10%) reported partially met needs and 7 (11%) unmet needs. Unmet needs mainly involved psychological and family support. Reported barriers to the adequate fulfillment of needs included limited knowledge of available services, access-related constraints, communication difficulties, and perceived minimization of mental health concerns. Conclusions One in five stroke survivors reported unmet mental health needs. Increasing access to psychotherapy, family support and information regarding mental health services during the rehabilitation phase may help in meeting the mental health needs of stroke survivors and their families. The discrepancy between limited reported support and overall high perceived adequacy of care may reflect limited expectations regarding post-stroke mental health care. Conflict of interest Cristina Leblanc: nothing to disclose; Helen-Maria Vasiliadis: nothing to disclose; Isabelle Gaboury: nothing to disclose.