Tele-Delivered Behavioral Activation to Prevent Post-Stroke Depression in Low-Income Older Adults with Mild Depressive Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of tele-delivered behavioral activation Tele-BA-S by trained lay counselors to prevent post-stroke depression PSD in low-income, older stroke survivors who have mild or no depressive symptoms subthreshold depression. The study focuses on individuals who have experienced their first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within three months and aims to address mental health challenges after stroke in this vulnerable population. Participants are randomly assigned to either the Tele-BA-S intervention or treatment as usual. The Tele-BA-S group receives five weekly video-conferenced behavioral activation sessions from trained lay counselors, along with homework and two monthly follow-up booster calls. Both groups receive standard hospital discharge educational materials and scheduled follow-up appointments with stroke practitioners at 7-14 days and three months post-stroke, conducted either by video or in person according to patient preference. During the study, participants will be assessed at multiple time points up to nine months for depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire, as well as for anxiety, emotional distress, quality of life, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, disability, medication adherence, rehabilitation adherence, and daily activities. These assessments will help researchers understand the impact of the tele-delivered behavioral activation on various aspects of health and recovery after stroke.

Behavioral Activation for the PreVention of Post-strokE Depression in LoW-incomE Older Stroke Survivors