Stroke, vascular risk factors and depression: Cross-sectional study in a UK Caribbean-born population

R Stewart, M Prince, M Richards, C Brayne, A Mann

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73 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background:
Stroke hypertension and diabetes are common in older Caribbean-born populations in the UK who may be at risk of depression secondary to vascular disease.

Aims:
We examined the association between stroke, vascular risk factors and depression in a community-based Caribbean-born population aged 55-75 years. Method Vascular risk factors were identified by interview examination and blood tests. Depression was categorised using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Disablement was assessed as a potential mediating factor.

Results:
Physical illness and disablement were strongly associated with depression, independent of disablement. Previous stroke was associated with depression, independent of disablement. No vascular risk factors were associated with depression.

Conclusions:
The risk of depression associated with stroke was not explained by disablement. However, the hypothesis that vascular risk factors are important in the genesis of depression was not supported. Declaration of interest This study was funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust. R.S. is supported by a Research Training Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-28
Number of pages6
JournalBritish Journal of Psychiatry
Volume178
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2001

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