Magnitude and Predictors of In-Hospital Stroke Mortality in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 5.5 million deaths each year. Due to demographic and health changes, the epidemiology of stroke is shifting from industrialized to low- and middle-income nations. Ethiopia is a developing country with a population that reflects this shift. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis are aimed at evaluating the extent of in-hospital mortality of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Ethiopia and determining relevant factors associated with the mortality. METHODS: Observational studies published as of July 15, 2020, that reported the magnitude, predictors, and causes of in-hospital mortality of stroke were systematically and comprehensively retrieved using the PRISMA 2020 criteria from databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The review papers were chosen based on the study methodology (facility-based observational), the study area (Ethiopia), the study population (adult patients with stroke), the outcome (in-hospital mortality), and the fact that they were published in English. RESULT: A total of 3709 patients with stroke were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, which included 19 publications. In-hospital mortality was 14.03 percent on average in the studies, with reports ranging from 6.04 percent to 37.37 percent. Patients with hemorrhagic type stroke, admission Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 12, impaired mental status, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale stroke level greater than 13, prolonged hospital stay, any incontinence, pneumonia, and/or swallowing trouble had an increased risk of death after stroke. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of in-hospital mortality of patients with stroke in Ethiopia is high. The assessment of the level of consciousness is vital for clinical management and as an indicator of prognosis. Patients with unfavorable prognostic signs, such as entry Glasgow Coma Scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale stroke level > 13, hemorrhagic stroke, pneumonia, incontinence, and dysphagia, should be given priority.