Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of adult stroke patients admitted to Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: sub-Saharan African countries are facing a rapid increase in stroke incidence and mortality. However, there is a paucity of clinical studies on the burden of stroke and its short-term outcomes. Hence, this study is aimed at evaluating risk factors, clinical characteristics, management, and 28-day clinical outcomes among stroke patients. METHODS: a prospective observational study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia from July 2020 to January 31(st), 2021. All adult patients diagnosed with stroke were enrolled consecutively and followed for 28 days starting from admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Multivariable cox regression was used to identify factors associated with 28-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: among 153 patients enrolled in this study, 127 (83%) had brain CT-scan and hemorrhagic stroke accounts for 66 (52%). About half 81 (53%) of the participants were male and the mean age was 57 years. Regarding in-hospital management, antihypertensive, statins, and aspirin was given to 80 (52%), 72 (47%), and 68 (44%) patients respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 26 (17%) and the all-cause 28-day mortality rate was 39 (25.5%). Rural residence [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 2.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.46-5.81], aspiration pneumonia (aHR= 6.57, 95% CI=3.16-13.66) and increased intracranial pressure (aHR= 3.27, 95% CI=1.56-6.86) were associated with 28-day mortality. CONCLUSION: the patients admitted to the hospital with stroke diagnosis had high short-term mortality. Strategies focused on increasing timely arrival and evidence-based management of stroke and its complications could improve stroke patient outcomes.