Article

OBJECTIVE: To describe the course of social support (everyday support, support in
problem situations and esteem support) from initial inpatient rehabilitation
until 3 years post-stroke and to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal
relationships of social support with depressive symptoms. DESIGN: Prospective
cohort study. SUBJECTS:
A total of 249 stroke patients. METHODS: Depressive
symptoms were measured with the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.
Perceived social support was assessed with the Social Support List-Interaction.
Pearson correlations and multilevel analysis were performed. RESULTS: More than
one-third of participants had depressive symptoms. Social support and its 3
subtypes declined significantly over time. Divergent relationships were found
between subtypes of social support and depressive symptoms. Everyday support and
esteem support had negative associations with depressive symptoms, whereas
support in problem situations had a positive association. Social support in
problem situations was a predictor of depressive symptoms over time. No
effect-modification by participants with physical or cognitive limitations was
found. CONCLUSION: Stroke survivors experience a decline in social support over
time. Various subtypes of support show distinct relationships with depressive
symptoms. Healthcare professionals should focus on the various subtypes of
support when supporting patients to improve and maintain an adequate social
support network.

Langue : ANGLAIS