Background: Stroke, hypertension and diabetes are common in older Caribbean-born populations in the UK who may be at risk of depression secondary to vascular disease.
Aims: We examined the association between stroke, vascular risk factors and depression in a community-based Caribbean-born population aged 55-75 years.
Method: Vascular risk factors were identified by interview, examination and blood tests. Depression was categorised using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Disablement was assessed as a potential mediating factor.
Results: Physical illness and disablement were strongly associated with depression, independent of disablement. Previous stroke was associated with depression, independent of disablement. No vascular risk factors were associated with depression.
Conclusions: The risk of depression associated with stroke was not explained by disablement. However, the hypothesis that vascular risk factors are important in the genesis of depression was not supported.