Correlates of the Post-Stroke cognitive impairment among patients with first-ever stroke admitted at tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania: a prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionStroke patients develop cognitive impairment that, significantly impacting their quality of life, their families, and the community as a whole, but they are not given attention. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) among adult stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania.MethodologyA prospective longitudinal study was conducted at tertiary hospitals in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. A sample size of 158 participants with the first stroke confirmed by CT/MRI brain aged ≥ 18 years met the criteria. At baseline, social-demographic, cardiovascular risks and stroke characteristics were acquired and then at 30 days, participants were evaluated for depression and apathy.. Descriptive statistics were summarised as continuous data reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data were summarised using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to determine predictors of PSCIResultsOf 158 participants, the mean age was 58.7 years, 57.6% were female, and 80.4% of participants met the criteria for post-stroke cognitive impairment. After multivariable logistic regression, left hemisphere stroke (AOR: 5.798, CI: 1.030 – 32.623,p= 0.046), a unit cm3increase in infarct volume (AOR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.018 – 1.113,p= 0.007), and apathy symptoms (AOR: 12.259, CI: 1.112 – 89.173,p= 0.041) had a significant association with PSCI.ConclusionThe study showed a high prevalence of PSCI; profiling at-risk stroke survivors in a timely intervention may improve their prognosis. Future studies in the area would inform future interventions and policies.