Nurse-led interventions reduce depressive symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in post-stroke patients
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found that nurse-led interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -1.17, 95% CI -1.65 to -0.70) and improved health-related quality of life (SMD 1.15, 95% CI 0.52-1.78) in adults with stroke. Sleep quality also improved modestly (SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.03), but effects on anxiety and neurological recovery were not statistically significant.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Nurse-led interventions reduce depressive symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in post-stroke patients The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Nurse-led interventions reduce depressive symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in post-stroke patients
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with stroke (post-stroke psychological disorders).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effectiveness of nursing interventions for patients with post stroke psychological disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (Archives of psychiatric nursing, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Nurses provide psychosocial support and self-management education across the care continuum
- ▸Interventions address psychological distress and promote coping
- ▸Improved mood and self-efficacy lead to better engagement in rehabilitation
- ▸Result: Reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with stroke (post-stroke psychological disorders)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸High heterogeneity for depression, anxiety, neurological recovery, and HRQoL outcomes
- ▸Small-study effects detected for depression (Egger's test p=0.042), suggesting potential publication bias
- ▸Few studies for anxiety, sleep, and neurological recovery, limiting precision
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nurse-led interventions help with post-stroke depression?▼
Yes, the meta-analysis found a large significant reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD -1.17) compared to usual care.
What is the effect of nurse-led interventions on sleep quality in stroke patients?▼
Sleep quality improved modestly but significantly (SMD -0.27, p=0.025) with low heterogeneity.
Are nurse-led interventions effective for anxiety after stroke?▼
The pooled effect was not statistically significant (SMD -1.06, p=0.061), so evidence is uncertain.
What outcomes were measured in this meta-analysis?▼
Depression, anxiety, sleep quality, neurological recovery, and health-related quality of life.
References
- 1.Han L, Dong L, Yin X, Yang M, Gao X, Zhao Y, Liu H. “Effectiveness of nursing interventions for patients with post stroke psychological disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis..” Archives of psychiatric nursing, 2026. PMID: 42608083 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2026.152143