Clinical Profiles, Risk Factors and In-hospital Outcomes of Stroke in the Medical Ward of

Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia; A retrospective study

Hussen Abdu, Girma Seyoum, Fentaw Tadese
April 2022
Summary
Stroke is unquestionably becoming a worldwide public health issue. Modifiable risk variables are
to blame for stroke mortality. A demographic change in Ethiopia increased the incidence of stroke risk
factors. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of important stroke information. As a result, the purpose of this
study was to thoroughly evaluate the clinical presentations, potential risk factors, and outcomes of stroke
in the medical ward of Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital. Among stroke patients, a retrospective
cross-sectional research design was used correctly. The study comprised medical records that had
comprehensive patient information and a verified diagnosis of stroke utilizing imaging methods. The
majority of stroke patients were female, the majority were from rural areas, and the elderly were
disproportionately affected in our context. The most prevalent risk factors for stroke were hypertension,
atrial fibrillation, and structural heart disease. In comparison to comparable Ethiopian institutions and high-
income nations, the hospital has a high rate of stroke-related death. Atrial fibrillation, a prior history of
stroke, and structural heart disease were all predictors of stroke-related death. The majority of the risk
variables discovered were controllable and avoidable. As a result, raising awareness about stroke risk
factors, the significance of screening for chronic illnesses, and lifestyle adjustments such as chit chewing
are required to reduce the risk of getting a stroke. Establishing a well-equipped emergency setup is essential
to evaluate, identify, and manage patients, as well as coordinate management methods for hospitalized
patients and rehabilitation for patients released with neurologic deficits.
Nursing Implications
A. To Nursing Practice
In this study, it is critical to understand the clinical profiles, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes
of stroke patients in order to provide appropriate nursing care to stroke patients in the medical ward.
Nurses are responsible for educating patients and family members/caregivers about their stroke care,
including stroke pathogenesis, treatment provided, personal risk factors, medications, stroke signs
and symptoms, use of emergency medical services, and strategies to reduce future stroke risk.
B. To Nursing Education
This publication will aid nursing education by providing material that will increase understanding
about stroke awareness. This journal may help to raise teaching standards because it will provide
updates within the body of knowledge required to be learned by nursing students, the knowledge
which will come from clinical instructors will be equipped with ideas of innovation, and student
nurses will be implementing timely, high standard, and quality care to patients.
C. To Nursing Research
There will be a continuity of knowledge and goal project advancement within the nursing
healthcare practice because there will be baseline data like this journal that will alleviate the need to
constantly conduct researches, literature reviews, and journal readings because these are the very
foundation of reliability, standard, effective, and efficient patient care.
Personal Insights
I strongly agree that this publication emphasized the significance of continuing to pursue project
goals in the face of obstacles such as the existence of clinical profiles, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes
of stroke. This is required for planning, executing, and assessing effective and efficient stroke prevention,
acute treatment, and rehabilitation programs at home for persons with established impairments.