Dysphagia after stroke in low-resource settings: a cross-sectional study using the Gugging Swallowing Screen

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Screening is essential but challenging in low-resource settings. Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted at the Douala General Hospital from March 2023 to February 2024. Consecutive stroke patients were screened using the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). Results: Among 156 patients included, 62 (39.7%) had dysphagia. Risk factors included advanced age (OR=2.3), severe stroke (OR=3.1), and brainstem location (OR=4.2). Aspiration pneumonia occurred in 18% of patients with dysphagia vs 3% without (p<0.001). Conclusion: Dysphagia is frequent after stroke in our setting. The GUSS is a simple and effective screening tool that should be systematically implemented. Keywords: Dysphagia, stroke, screening, low-resource settings, GUSS.