To systematically evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among young stroke patients and their associated factors using a meta-analysis, addressing a significant gap in the literature.
Key Findings:
Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among young stroke patients were both 35% [95% CI (29–41%)].
Subgroup analyses showed variations in prevalence based on publication year, country, first-ever stroke status, and gender.
Factors influencing depression included NIHSS score, alcohol consumption, lesion location, psychosocial factors, and vascular comorbidities.
Interpretation:
Anxiety and depression are common among young stroke patients, highlighting the need for routine psychological assessment and intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Limitations:
Findings related to gender and several exploratory variables were not stable in sensitivity analyses, which may affect the reliability of these results.
The meta-analysis may not capture all relevant studies due to varying definitions of young stroke.
Conclusion:
Anxiety and depression in young stroke patients warrant greater attention in stroke care, with identified factors suggesting a need for targeted psychological assessment. Future research should aim to standardize definitions and methodologies.
