Aspiration pneumonia in stroke survivors: prevalence and clinical associations at Bolan Medical Complex

Aspiration pneumonia is a prevalent and severe complication in stroke survivors, substantially affecting morbidity and mortality rates. Early identification of risk factors is crucial for implementing timely prevention and management strategies. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical associations of aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients admitted to Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta. This descriptive cross-sectional study looked at 201 stroke patients who were admitted over 6 months. Clinical, demographic, and radiological data were gathered utilizing a systematic proforma. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in 36.3% of patients. Hemiplegia was identified as the most significant independent association (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.41, p=0.04). Nasogastric tube feeding was present in 77.1% of aspiration pneumonia cases. Dysphagia and dysarthria showed associations in univariate analysis but lost significance in multivariate modeling. Hospital-acquired cases exhibited elevated rates of fever, positive chest X-rays, and significant neurological impairments. Aspiration pneumonia is common among stroke patients, with motor impairments and mechanical feeding being major risk factors. Early screening and comprehensive management are crucial for decreasing its prevalence, particularly in resource-constrained environments.