In Hospital Outcomes of Stroke Patients Admitted to Al-Wahda Teaching Hospital, Yemen: Retrospective Study 2019-2023
Abstract
Khaled Saleh, Abdulghani Nasher and Ali Ahmed Al-Zaazaai
Background: Stroke is a major public health issue worldwide, but data on stroke in Yemen is limited. This study aimed to characterize the clinical pattern and outcomes of stroke patients admitted to Al- Wahda Teaching Hospital.
Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 288 medical records of stroke patients admitted to Al-Wahda Teaching Hospital from 2019 to 6/2023. Information extracted included sociodemographics, stroke type, risk factors, clinical presentation, treatments, length of stay, complications, and outcomes.
Results: Ischemic stroke accounted for 74.3% and hemorrhagic stroke for 25.7% of cases. Males comprised 66.3% and females 33.7% of patients. Hypertension (63.2%) and diabetes mellitus (32.6%) were the most common risk factors, while 41.3% reported khat chewing. Median length of hospitalization was 8.6 days. In-hospital mortality was 13%. Hemorrhagic stroke and hypertension were associated with higher mortality.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, particularly hypertension, and considerable in-hospital mortality. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm stroke epidemiology in Yemen. Public health efforts should focus on improving awareness and management of hypertension to prevent stroke. Health facilities require enhanced capacity for diagnosis, acute care, and rehabilitation. The potential association between khat chewing and stroke warrants further research. Our findings highlight the need for a coordinated national response to reduce the burden of stroke in Yemen.