Post-stroke depression in Vietnamese patients is associated with decreased sleep quality and increased fatigue: a one-institution cross-sectional analysis

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) during the first year and its associated factors, especially focusing on sleep quality and fatigue severity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke patients in Vietnam’s National Geriatric Hospital. Data were collected by using standardized questionnaires for interviewing and evaluating patients at the research site. Several covariables were presented including demographics, stroke-related characteristics, activities of daily living, post-stroke fatigue, and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] scale). PSD was assessed as an outcome variable through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. To summarize sociodemographic and clinical variables, descriptive statistics were performed. A logistic regression model was used to explore the factors related to PSD. RESULTS: Of 157 patients with stroke, mean age 73.1 (± 9.6), PSD was present in 60 patients (38%). The global score and all PSQI components of participants with PSD showed worse levels than those without depression. Furthermore, the prevalence of PSD was higher in patients with low IADL scores and functional disability at high levels. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the patients with PSD showed higher Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores (OR = 4.11; 95% CI = 1.39; 12.19) and higher scores in two domains of the PSQI scale including subjective sleep quality (OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.21; 7.58) and sleep disturbance (OR = 5.22; 95% CI = 1.33; 20.47). CONCLUSION: There is a significant prevalence of depression following stroke. Furthermore, post-stroke fatigue and two PSQI scale components (subjective sleep quality and sleep disturbance) were shown to be associated with PSD. This finding may guide early screening and intervention strategies to address depression following stroke.