Importance of social support for Indonesian stroke patients with depression

Abstract

Background: Approximately one-third of stroke survivors experience depression at some point, which is linked to poor functional results and high mortality rate. Social support from family, friends, and the community is an intervening variable in stroke outcomes aside from the rehabilitation treatments that patients receive. This study assessed the importance of social support for stroke patients with depression and its relationship with patient rehabilitation. Methods: This quantitative study used a cross-sectional approach on stroke patients and their families based on data from the Social Security Administrator for Health (BPJS Kesehatan). One hundred and four participants were recruited using purposive sampling by including stroke patients who have used National Health Insurance (JKN) for stroke medications. Results: We found that instrumental, emotional, interactive, and information support contribute to lowering depressive symptoms. Instrumental support in the form of food availability, money, goods, and services had the highest coefficient value for reducing depression. Emotional support in the form of care and compassion had the second highest value in reducing depression. Further, interaction and informational support remain critical components of social support in reducing depression.   Conclusion: The support system plays a key role in decreasing the depression level in stroke survivors. The family and neighborhood have a significant impact on accelerating the rehabilitation process of stroke patients by providing support.