Post stroke fatigue and its associated factors among outpatient chronic stroke survivors at Amhara regional state tertiary hospitals, Ethiopia, 2023: Institutional based cross-sectional study design

Abstract

Background: Post Stroke Fatigue is one of the most unpleasant symptoms among stroke survivors. It has led to difficulty taking part in everyday activities. Many articles in developed and developing nations claimed that stroke survivors frequently had Post Stroke Fatigue of a certain magnitude. But there are no known statistics regarding the issue in Ethiopia. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Post Stroke Fatigue and its Associated Factors among Outpatient Chronic Stroke Survivors at Amhara regional state Tertiary Hospital, Ethiopia, 2023. Methods and Material: Multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke survivors attending Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospitals. A total of 399 chronic stroke participants were selected using a systemic random sampling technique. To assess Post Stroke Fatigue, a fatigue severity scale, structured questionnaire and chart review were used. Multicollinarity and model fitting were checked. Variables with a Pvalue of less than 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Finally, variables with odds ratio, 95% confidence interval and a P value less than 0.05 had significant association were reported. Result: A total of 399 participants were included with a response rate of 94%. The overall prevalence of Post Stroke Fatigue among chronic stroke participants was 62.2% with 95% CI (57.2%- 66.9%). Being older (AOR: 4.43, 95%CI (1.573-11.7)), physically inactive (AOR: 3.34, 95%CI (1.51-7.93)), depression (AOR: 7.21, 95%CI (2.909-12.498)) anxiety (AOR: 3.32, 95%CI (2.005-5.497)) were significantly associated factors with Post Stroke Fatigue. Conclusion and Recommendation: In this study, more than half of chronic stroke patients were found to be present with post stroke fatigue. Being older, physically inactive, depression and anxiety were significantly associated. Therefore; it is recommended the need for education, an active lifestyle, socialization and further research.