FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A PSYCHOSOCIAL THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR STROKE SURVIVORS IN AN INPATIENT STROKE REHABILITATION UNIT AND EXPLORING ITS EFFECTS ON DEPRESSION AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility and effects of a 4-session psychosocial therapeutic intervention program (PIP) on post-stroke depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. In this single-blind randomised control trial, stroke survivors within an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit were allocated to either the PIP or an attention-matched control comprising of a health education program (HEP). 41 stroke survivors were recruited and randomised. Quantitative data was collected at pre-intervention, 1-month and 3-month post intervention. A semi-structured qualitative interview was also administered to explore participants’ experiences of the program. Mann-Whitney U tests and Friedman’s ANOVA were conducted to estimate the quantitative outcomes as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was performed using NVivo 12. Results did not indicate any significant effects of type of program attended or time. However, interview themes and feedback gathered seems to support acceptability for the PIP program. Implications of findings are discussed