The Prevalence of Post Stroke Delirium and associated risk factors a multicenter prospective study in hospitalized patients at Tikur Anbessa specialized Hospital, Yekatit 12 Hospital and Yehulshet specialty Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Ketema Beruk , Mengistu Getahun , Melka Dereje , Zenebe Yared , Zebenegus Mehila , Leul Feryat 
Published: May 2024

Background: Post-stroke delirium, a frequent and significant complication of stroke, manifests as a sudden onset of confusion, altered consciousness, and cognitive decline. Various factors contribute to its occurrence, including old age, multiple comorbidity, electrolyte abnormalities and infections. The impact of post-stroke delirium on stroke recovery is substantial. It leads to prolonged hospital stays, heightened risk of institutionalization, increased dependence, and elevated mortality rates. As a result, early identification and prompt treatment of post-stroke delirium are imperative for optimizing outcomes in stroke patients.
Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the Prevalence of Post Stroke Delirium and associated risk factors in hospitalized patients at TASH, Y12HMC and YSC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from August to December, 2023 G.c.
Method: We performed a prospective observational cross sectional study, including all the stroke patients admitted to the respective study areas during the study period from August to December, 2023 G.c.
A total of 101 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were involved in this study. Data was collected using interviewer administered Questionnaire with well tested and validated tool, Patients were assessed for Delirium within 48 hour of admission and subsequently screened every 12 hours. A Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data in terms of frequency, proportion, mean and standard deviation. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify associated factors. Statistical significance was considered when the p value is below 0.05.
Results: Out of 101 patients 26(25.7%) had Post stroke Delirium. Majority 56 (55.4%) of the patients were females. The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 56.05 ± 15.38 years, the mean time in day’s until the occurrence of delirium is 3 ± 1 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, Age Greater than 60(AOR=19.1, 95% CI (1.7-211) p=0.016, Presence of Sepsis (AOR=8.3, 95% CI (1.2-56) P=0.029, Presence of Polypharmacy (AOR=157, 95% CI (10.2-244) P=0.0001, Presence of Electrolyte Derangement (AOR=65.2, 95% CI (3.4-124.1) P=0.005 were statistically significant risk factors.
Conclusion: Our Study showed that Post Stroke Delirium occurs in a quarter of patients admitted with Diagnosis of Acute Stroke, and the Identified risk factors were Age greater than 60, Polypharmacy, Presence of Sepsis and Electrolyte Derangement, Medical professionals responsible for caring for acute stroke patients should be vigilant in identifying those at higher risk of developing post-stroke delirium. Additionally, they should focus on preventing and treating possible precipitating factors such as infections or electrolyte abnormalities. Incorporating delirium screening into routine patient assessments is crucial.