Article

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 (T0), 6 months and 1
year after mild stroke. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis
were used. RESULTS: There were 186 participants at T0, 149 at 6 months and 138 at
1 year. Mean age at T0 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 T0 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS