Profile of Stroke Survivors Managed at the Physiotherapy Department of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Stroke has been reported as a major cause of death and neurological disability in adults and imposes a heavy emotional and financial burden on the family of the patient and society. Several risk factors have been associated with the occurrence of stroke. Objectives: This research was aimed at evaluating the profile of stroke survivors rehabilitated at the physiotherapy department of a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 case files of stroke survivors from 2016 to 2020 were randomly selected from the medical record of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. The socio-demographic data and the comorbid risk factors associated with stroke were retrieved, documented in a proforma, and analyzed. Result: Ischemic stroke (81%) and left hemispheric stroke were more prevalent than right hemispheric and brainstem strokes. The research identified the highest percentage of stroke cases to be diagnosed in 2020. Female clients between the ages of 51-60 years, married, and had less than five (5) children represented a greater percentage of stroke survivors. Hypertension (80%), diabetes mellitus (39%), and high blood cholesterol (14%) were associated with ischemic stroke. The most recorded occupation group was traders (37%), followed by civil servants (11%). Conclusion: The outcome of the study shows that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and high blood cholesterol were the most prevalent comorbid risk factors in the sample size studied. There was an association between the number of children and the pattern of stroke.