dagm v1

Introduction: Dysphagia is the common post-stroke complication. It is a common cause of prolonged hospital or intensive care unit stay, increased morbidity and mortality. However, literature on the occurrence of post-stroke dysphagia is scanty in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of post-stroke dysphagia in West Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021.Methods:An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted in West Amhara region at Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital from September 20/2021 to October 10 / 2021.Charts of 568 stroke patients were reviewed through a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multi-variable log-binomial regressions were applied. Predictors that had a p-value < 0.25 on bi-variable regression analysis were entered into a final model. Result: The cumulative incidence of post stroke dysphagia was 43% (95% CI 39% - 47%).Baseline Glasgow coma scale level of less than eight (ARR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.41-0.79), ischemic stroke (ARR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.09-2.40), gastro esophageal reflex disease (ARR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.48-2.88), having seizure (ARR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.08-2.42) and nasogastric tube therapy (ARR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.35-2.53) were found to be significant predictors of post stroke dysphagia. Conclusion: In this study, the cumulative incidence of post-stroke dysphagia was 43 percent, with an incidence density rate of 7/100 person day-observation. A lower baseline Glasgow coma scale level, type of stroke, gastroesophageal reflux disease, having a seizure and nasogastric tube therapy were found as risk factors that increase the risk of post-stroke dysphagia. Thus, health care professionals shall give special attention and clinical care accordingly for patients with risk factors of post-stroke dysphagia.Keywords: Dysphagia, Stroke, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia