The Impact of Undernutrition Risk on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Patients experiencing a cerebrovascular event are vulnerable to declining nutritional status, hindering rehabilitation. This study aims to analyze the association between malnutrition risk and hospital rehabilitation indicators in ischemic stroke survivors (ISS). This analytical study examined medical records of 160 adult patients (69.3 ± 13 years). Undernutrition risk (UR; independent variable) and rehabilitation indicators (dependent variables) like hospital stay, clinical outcome, functionality, stroke severity, food intake, mobility (bedridden), mechanical ventilation, and enteral nutrition were assessed. Data were dichotomized, and the chi-square test identified associations (p ≤ 0.05), followed by Poisson regression for prevalence ratios. Patients at UR had 2-fold higher risk of death (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–4.79), 1.8-fold higher risk of high stroke severity (95% CI, 1.06–3.11), 76% higher chance of being bedridden (95% CI, 1.28–2.44), and 3-fold higher risk of mechanical ventilation (95% CI, 1.20–9.52). UR in hospitalized ISS is associated with deteriorating rehabilitation indicators, including mobility, decreased food intake, mechanical ventilation use, and neurological deficit, indicating an increased mortality risk post-stroke.