Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the prevalence rate of post-stroke depression (PSD) of the elderly in the community and analyze risk factors of them. MethodsThe elders of the age of 60 or over were sampled as subjects from a community. Zung (SDS) was used as screening instruments and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD-24) as evaluating scales. The prevalence rate of PSD was surveyed. A structured questionnaire was used and physical examination was carried out. Risk factors measured included baseline information, daily habits, and history of main diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and so on). The relationship between risk factors and PSD was analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of PSD was 9.5%. The risk factors for PSD were life quality and age. ConclusionPost-stroke depression disturbs elder's health and rehabilitation. The prevalence rate and harm of PSD are higher than depression without stroke.

Key words: depression, cerebrovascular accident, epidemiology