IN HOSPITAL OUTCOME AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADULT ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS ADMITTED TO WOLKITE UNIVERSITY SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL FROM OCTOBER 2023 TO DECEMBER 2025: HOSPITALBASED RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middleincome countries, including Ethiopia. However, evidence on in-hospital treatment patterns, complications, and predictors of outcome among hospitalized stroke patients remains limited. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among patients admitted with acute stroke. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, in-hospital treatment, complications, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of poor in-hospital outcomes. Results: A total of 236 patients admitted with acute stroke were included in the study. The mean age was 62.1 ± 13.7 years, with a slight male predominance (51.7%). Hypertension (67.8%) was the most common risk factor, and most patients presented late after symptom onset. Ischemic stroke accounted for 59.3% of cases. Overall, 41.1% of patients experienced a poor outcome, including clinical deterioration (28.0%) and death (12.3%). In multivariable analysis, moderate to severe impairment of consciousness at admission (AOR = 6.98; p < 0.001), higher admission RBS (AOR = 2.26; p = 0.032), renal dysfunction (AOR = 2.87; p = 0.016), delayed blood pressure management (AOR = 2.89; p = 0.041), and prolonged hospital stay (AOR 3.12; p = 0.008) were independent predictors Conclusion: Poor in-hospital outcomes among stroke patients remain substantial. Admission neurological status and random blood sugar, renal dysfunction, delayed blood pressure management, and prolonged hospitalization are key associated factors of adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for early risk stratification and comprehensive inpatient care in resource-limited settings