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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.

Last updated: Aug 21, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effectiveness of nursing interventions for patients with post stroke psychological disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

observational

Han L, Dong L, Yin X, Yang M, Gao X, Zhao Y, Liu H · Archives of psychiatric nursing (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Nurse-led/delivered psychosocial and self-management interventions for post-stroke psychological disorders
Outcome: Depression, anxiety, sleep quality, neurological recovery, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
Effect Size: Depression: SMD -1.17; HRQoL: SMD 1.15; Sleep: SMD -0.27
Population: Adults with stroke (post-stroke psychological disorders)

Result:

PubMed: 42608083DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2026.152143

Mechanism Graph

Nurses provide psychosocial support and self-management education across the care continuum
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Interventions address psychological distress and promote coping
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Improved mood and self-efficacy lead to better engagement in rehabilitation
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Result: Reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced quality of life

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.