Prevalence of post-stroke anxiety and its association with socio-demographical factors, post-stroke depression, and disability

Introduction
Anxiety is the most common mental health problem worldwide. It can compromise rehabilitation outcome and negatively impact the quality of life after stroke.

Aim of the study
The aim of this study was: 1) to determine the prevalence of post-stroke anxiety (PSA), 2) to study PSA and its association with socio-demographical factors, and 3) to study PSA and its association with post-stroke depression (PSD) and disability.

Material and methods
One hundred consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of stroke were included in the study. Detailed socio-demographic and other variables and psychiatric history were obtained using a semi-structured Performa. Subjects were given HAM-A, HAM-D, and WHODAS 2.0 to assess anxiety, depression, and disability, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the socio-demographical variables. Chi square test and Fisher exact test were used to find the significance of study parameters on a categorical scale between two or more groups.

Results
Of 100 patients, 35 were anxious. Socio-economic deprivation was significantly associated with PSA. Illiteracy was nearly significantly associated with PSA. No co-morbidities, number of strokes, and substance use were significantly associated with PSA. PSA is significantly associated with PSD. The correlation between severity of PSA and PSD was found to be highly significant. PSA is not significantly associated with post-stroke disability.

Conclusions
PSA is highly prevalent in post-stroke patients, and it has been significantly associated with socio-economic deprivation, illiteracy, and PSD. We need to screen post-stroke subjects for anxiety and other modifiable variables associated with it, in order to provide an effective management plan.