Dysphagia Related Health Consequences among Patients with Acute Stroke in Cairo, Egypt

Abstract
Background: Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke; it places the patient with acute stroke at risk for poor nutrition and dehydration. In addition to other dangerous complications as post stroke pneumonia.
Aim of Study: To explore dysphagia related health conse-quences (post stroke pneumonia, length of ICU stay and death) among patients with acute stroke in Cairo, Egypt.
Research Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized.
Research Question: What are the dysphagia related health consequences as indicated by post stroke pneumonia, length of ICU stay and death) among patients with acute stroke in Cairo, Egypt?
Setting: The current study was carried out at a stroke unit affiliated to a selected hospital in Cairo, Egypt.
Sample: A purposive sample consisting of 70 adult male and female patients with acute stroke.
Tools of Data Collection: Three tools were used by the investigator to collect data pertinent to the study: Tool 1: Personal background and medical data, Tool 2: Gugging Swallowing Screen test (GUSS) Tool 3: Post stroke Pneumonia assessment tool.
Results: 30% of the studied sample was in the age group of 61-70 years old, 54% of the study sample was female, and about half (45.7%) of the studied sample had a moderate degree of dyaphagia. 37.1% of the studied sample stayed from 5 to 7 days in the Intensive Care Unit. (7.1%) of the studied sample had died. More than half (57.1%) of the studied sample didn't develop post stroke pneumonia. There was a significant statistical relationship between degree of dysphagia and (post stroke pneumonia, death and length of ICU stay).
Conclusion: Dysphagia following the acute stroke is very important issue to be considered during handling, caring and management of patients with it.
Recommendation: Replication of this study on a repre-sentative sample for such group of patients all over the Arab Republic of Egypt is highly recommended to set national protocol for prevention and management of dysphagia related health consequences.