Purpose
The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults after stroke in a nursing home (NH).
Design
The study was conducted in a NH and included 50 patients after stroke with a mean age of 74.62 (±8.2).
Method
The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Acceptance Illness Scale (AIS) and Barthel Index (BI) were used.
Findings
Mean GDS was 7.60 (±2.75); 74% of patients had depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant relationship between GDS and marital status (p = .043). A negative correlations between GDS and MMSE (p = .029), GDS and BI (p = .049), and GDS and AIS (p < .0001) were found.
Conclusion
The occurrence of depressive symptoms in older adults after stroke depends on their mental and functional status, degree of acceptance of illness, and marital status.
Clinical Relevance
Early detection of depressive symptoms in stroke patients allows rehabilitation nurses to optimize the therapeutic effects.