[Distribution and therapeutic path of patients with stroke admitted to Hospital]

The prevalence of strokes is continuously growing in Africa. Morbidity and mortality related to this disease depend on patients management in the community and health care facilities (FOSAs). The purpose of this study was to describe the outcome and the therapeutic path of patients with stroke admitted to the Bafoussam Regional Hospital (BRH).

We conducted a cohort non-controlled study of patients who were diagnosed with stroke. Data were collected using two tools such as an anonymous questionnaire among patients or on their pre-hospital management and a grid for the collection of data on patient's outcome during hospitalization. Data were analyzed by describing the frequency distribution of the sources and types of supports solicited prior to and during hospitalization as well as that of patients' outcome at the end of hospitalization including the incidence of complications.

A total of 46 patients were included in this study, with an average age of 62 years: 27(58.7%) were women and 37 (80.4%) were referred to other FOSAs. Four (8.7%) patients had taken products before their hospitalization; 2(4.3%) patients had taken a traditional product. Thirty-six (78.3%) patients had a cardiovascular history, of whom 22 with high blood pressure. Ten days after hospitalization, 32 (69.6%) patients resumed their autonomy and 5(10.9%) died.

Few patients used non-medical treatments before their arrival to hospital. Most of them underwent care in time, but the rate of hospital complications and deaths were high. A study should be conducted to determine the factors contributing to high rate of complications and death in patients hospitalized for stroke at the BRH.