Depressive disorder among spouses of stroke patients

Abstract

Objectives: To determine frequency of depressive disorder among spouses of stroke patients at follow-up in tertiary care public hospital.

Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: Out-patient department of Medicine and Neurology Departments, JPMC Karachi, Pakistan, for the period of six months i.e. 1st April 2016 to 30th Sep 2016.

Patients and Method: Total of 145 spouses of diagnosed stroke patients who were brought for follow-up at concerned OPD, having ages between 18 to 60 years, both male and female spouses of patients were included, 2 weeks after the diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Diagnosis of depressive disorder was based on applying patient health quesstionnare-09, (PHQ-9).

Results: A total of 145 spouses of diagnosed cases of stroke were recruited in the study with 65 (44.8%) males and 80 (55.2%) females. According to PHQ-9, Out of 145 spouses, 73 (50.3%) had no depressive disorder, 26 (17.9%) had major depressive disorder, 46 (31.6%) had other depressive disorder, so totally 72 (49.7%) had depressive disorder. Conclusion: In developing country like Pakistan where emotional health of an individual is often neglected, even during stressful situations like persistent disability of spouse which can be a turmoil in anyone’s life, therefore the issues related to emotional wellbeing are poorly addressed and this study reveals high prevalence of depression among spouses of stroke patients.