Frequency of post-stroke dysphagia in Pakistan: a hospital based study

Purpose of the study is to determine the frequency of dysphagia after stroke and to see the factors associated with it.

Cross Sectional study design was used by including individuals pre-diagnosed as stroke on the basis of CT scan or MRI findings. Study was conducted in three hospitals of Lahore within six months. Sample size of 150 patients of any age and both gender was taken by using convenient sampling technique. To assess the conscious level, Glasgow coma scale was administered and those who scored mild or moderate on GCS were included in the study. Modified Massey Bedside Swallow Screener was used to screen out the patients for dysphagia. SPSS-19 was used for the statistical analysis.

In the sample of 150 individuals with stroke 53% of patients had dysphagia. Females were 38% while males were 62%. Individuals who were older were more likely to have dysphagia. Among dysphagic individuals 65% had ischemic stroke while 35% were with haemorrhagic. There were 87% of dysphagic individuals who presented with history of smoking and 13% were without any. These factors demonstrate significant relationship by showing p-value <0.05. While no significant difference was seen between levels of alertness and risk of dyspagia by showing p-value 0.2.

Dysphagia after stroke occurs frequently that should be actively assessed and factors like type of stroke and history of smoking are significantly related to this condition.