TITLE:
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality among Stroke Patients Admitted to the Neurology Department of the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital in Bangui, Central African Republic
AUTHORS:
Emmanuel Yangatimbi, Larissa Kpengougna, Caprice Vivien Ndouelle, Jacqueline Tello, Maxime Guellla, Josué Kinima, Pascal Mbelesso
KEYWORDS:
Stroke, Mortality, Predictive Factors, Prognosis, Bangui
JOURNAL NAME:
Neuroscience and Medicine,
Vol.17 No.3,
September
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Stroke is a major public health concern due to its high frequency, mortality rate, and the resulting physical and cognitive disabilities. Numerous studies have reported particularly high stroke-related mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, few studies have investigated stroke mortality and its associated factors in the Central African Republic. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of mortality among patients admitted for stroke. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2023, including patients hospitalized at the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, severity indicators associated with the neurological presentation, and vital outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 129 medical records of patients with stroke were reviewed. The study population consisted of 55.8% men, with a mean age of 59.8 years (95% CI: 57.5 - 62.2). The mean time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 7 days (95% CI: 5 - 9). The main reasons for hospitalization were headache (62%), sudden-onset unilateral motor deficit (58.1%), and language disorders (41%), followed by impaired consciousness and dizziness. The overall mortality rate was 12%. Hyperthermia (p = 0.049), language disorders (p = 0.014), and neurological deterioration (p = 0.028) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Stroke-related in-hospital mortality remains high in our study and across Africa in general. These findings highlight the need for healthcare authorities in our country to implement more effective stroke management strategies in order to improve patient survival.