Quality of life and mood disorders of mild to moderate stroke survivors in the early post-hospital discharge phase: a cross-sectional survey study

Background Exploring sociodemographic and disease characteristics that contribute to patient-reported outcomes can inform targeting of strategies to support recovery and adaptation to stroke. This study aimed to examine among a sample of stroke survivors at three months post-hospital discharge: (1) self-reported physical and mental health quality of life scores; (2) self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms; and (3) sociodemographic and clinical predictors of these outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional survey study recruited stroke survivors from eight hospitals in one Australian state. Adult survivors recently discharged from hospital stroke wards (within 3 months) were mailed a study information package and invited to complete a pen-and paper survey. Survey items assessed: quality of life (SF12v2), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Predictors were examined using multiple linear regression analysis. Results Of the 1161 eligible patients who were posted a recruitment pack, 401 (35%) returned a completed survey. Participants reported a mean SF-12v2 Physical Composite Score (PCS) quality of life score of 44.09 (SD = 9.57); and a mean SF-12v2 Mental Composite Score (MCS) quality of life score of 46.84 (SD = 10.0). Approximately one third of participants (34%; n = 132) were classified as depressed (PHQ-9 ≥ 10); and 27% (n = 104) were classified as anxious (GAD-7 ≥ 8). Lower PCS was associated with being female, not employed and having a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Lower MCS was associated with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Males and those with higher levels of education, had greater odds of having lower depression severity; those with a history of TIA or diabetes had lower odds of having lower depression severity. Males had greater odds of having lower anxiety severity; those with a history of TIA had lower odds of having lower anxiety severity. Conclusion Sub-groups of stroke survivors may be at-risk of poorer quality of life and psychological morbidity in the early post-discharge phase. These findings support the role of early identification and prioritisation of at-risk survivors at discharge, as they may require modifications to standard hospital discharge processes tailored to their level of risk.