Nigerian Tertiary Hospital Research Articles

Childhood cerebral malaria: Pattern of biochemical parameters and clinical outcome in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

BackgroundThe outcome of children with cerebral malaria involves an interplay of factors including clinical and biochemical parameters, a deep knowledge of these laboratory biochemical parameters is essential. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pattern of the biochemical parameters in children with cerebral malaria and how it may affect the clinical outcomes. MethodsA prospective observational cohort study among fifty subjects at the children's emergency unit. The participants were children aged 6 months to 12 years admitted with a history of fever and altered sensorium, demonstrable malaria parasite in the blood film and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis not suggestive of central nervous system (CNS) infections. Detailed history was taken with thorough examinations of each child. Samples were collected for malaria parasites, serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and blood glucose values. The clinical outcomes were correlated with the analyte levels. Results60 % of the children survived without any sequelae with the highest proportion (70 %) of survivors being children above five years. Children with hypoglycemia had a 3.5-fold higher risk of poor outcomes and this is statistically significant (RR = 3.65 p = 0.014). Hyperkalaemia was significantly associated with poor outcomes (RR = 2.57, p = 0.009). Subjects with hypochloraemia had three times the risk of poor outcome and mortality with statistically significant association (RR = 3.07, χ2 = 8.519, p = 0.004). There was a significant association between metabolic acidosis and poor clinical outcome. (RR = 1.99, χ2 = 4.089, p = 0.043). The parasite density was significantly associated with the serum bicarbonate (HCO3−) and Chloride, p-value < 0.05. ConclusionHypoglycaemia, hyperkalemia, hypochloremia and metabolic acidosis were significantly associated with poor outcomes, thus, good predictors of clinical outcomes in children diagnosed with cerebral malaria. Periodic evaluation and monitoring of these parameters is essential for prompt intervention to forestall devastating outcomes.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in evaluation of hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medications in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in evaluation of hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medications in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Attributes of Pathological Fractures in a Nigerian myeloma cohort

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell tumor usually characterized by lytic bone lesions. Pathological Fracture (PF) is a debilitating condition that usually affects a patient’s psychomotor functions, treatment modality, morbidity, and outcome. We evaluated the associations, characteristics, and impact of PF on survival in a group of Nigerian myeloma cohort. A 10-year (2011-2021) retrospective review of MM data from Nigerian tertiary hospital haemato-oncology unit to evaluate attributes of PFs in myeloma cohort. Sixty-six patients had MM of which 23 had PF while forty-three had no fractures. Of the number with PF, 18 had lytic bone lesions, while 20 had bone pains. Monoclonal Immunoglobulin G was predominant followed by Immunoglobulin A. Significant correlations existed between hemoglobin level (r=0.446, p=0.002); platelet count (r=-0.347, p=0.041), serum calcium (r=0.471, p=0.006) and bone pains; as well as between urea level (r=-0.787, p=001), creatinine level (r=-0.853, p=0.001) and renal impairment respectively. PFs are associated with diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, nephropathy, and arthritis. Bortezomib-based regimen was the choice treatment. Overall survival was 16 (69.6%) with 7 (30.4%) mortality. PF is common amongst the myeloma cohort with the spine being the most common site. It is associated with significant comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, and paraplegia and is characterized by severe debilitating bone pains, anemia, hypercalcemia, raised plasma monoclonal immunoglobulin, renal impairment, loss of man-hour at work, and psychosocial imbalance. The impact of the fracture has increased morbidity and mortality and has reduced the median survival duration to as low as 4 years.

Clinical Profile and Histopathological Pattern of Major Salivary Gland Tumors in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract Background: Varieties of tumors can arise from major salivary glands primarily or secondarily. Over 30 histological subtypes have been documented by the World Health Organization, serving as a guide in diagnosis and management. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and histological pattern of presentation of major salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical retrospective study, done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria, assessing records of patients with major salivary gland tumors seen between January 2018 and December 2022. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. The results were presented in tables and charts and comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. Results: Out of the 57 patients with major salivary gland tumors studied, 30 (52.6%) were benign tumors, and 27 (47.4%) were malignant tumors. About 63.2% of patients were predominantly females, whereas 36.8% were males with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.7. The most common presenting symptom was swelling. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 24 and 12 months for benign and malignant tumors, respectively. The parotid gland (61.4% total) was the most common site of tumor presentation for both benign and malignant tumors followed by the submandibular and sublingual the least. The most common histological variant was pleomorphic adenoma (40.4%) for benign and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (28.1%) for malignant. Surgery was the first line of treatment given. Conclusion: The observed pattern of clinical and histological presentation of major salivary gland tumors will guide clinicians on the approach for the management.

Evaluation of Serum Uric Acid in Patients with Obesity in Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Obesity has been recognized as an important risk factor for hyperuricemia although the exact mechanism is not well understood. The goal of this study is to evaluate serum uric acid levels in obese subjects. Methods: A total of 100 individuals with 50 obese patients and 50 healthy non-obese controls. Serum uric acid, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL - C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL - C) and triglycerides (TGs) were measured. Serum uric acid was evaluated using uricase method. The serum TC was estimated using modified Liebermann – Burchard reaction. HDL – C estimation involved a two – staged procedure using Liebermann Burchard reaction, LDL – C was calculated using Friedwald’s equation while TGs were estimated using enzymatic methods on commercial kits. Results: In this study, serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in the obese group compared to healthy controls (510.0 + 72.5 Vs 320.0 + 34.2: p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Hyperuricemia has been observed in patients with obesity and therefore the need to screen all obese patients for serum uric acid levels.

Erratum: Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Prescription and Consumption in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Gateway to the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

Erratum: Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Prescription and Consumption in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Gateway to the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

Assessment of Plasma Total Homocysteine in Patients with Obesity in Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Assessment of Plasma Total Homocysteine in Patients with Obesity in Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Epidemiological trends and treatment abandonment of paediatric solid tumours in a nigerian tertiary hospital: a seven-year review (2016–2022)

BackgroundPaediatric solid tumours, both benign and malignant, present significant health challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where comprehensive data is limited. This study aims to elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and treatment outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in a tertiary hospital in South-East Nigeria over a seven-year period.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Clinical details and histological slides of confirmed cases from January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Data extraction focused on socio-demographic variables and treatment outcomes, analysed using statistical methods.ResultsThe study included 293 children diagnosed with solid tumours (58.1% malignant, 41.9% benign), with a female predominance (61.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign tumour (61.8% of benign cases), while non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the predominant malignant tumour (18.2% of malignant cases). Treatment abandonment rates differed significantly between benign (13.8%) and malignant (51.2%) tumours. Significant associations were found between treatment outcomes and factors such as gender (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), age category (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), and specific diagnoses (p = 0.0001 for both benign and malignant tumours).ConclusionThis study underscores the substantial burden of paediatric solid tumours in South-East Nigeria and highlights the critical need for improved treatment adherence strategies, particularly for malignant cases. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions based on tumour type, age, and gender. These insights can inform future research, policy formulation, and healthcare strategies aimed at enhancing the management and outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in resource-limited settings.

Antiretroviral adverse drug events reported among adult HIV patients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: A retrospective study

Background: The use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has changed HIV/AIDS from a near-certainly fatal illness to one that can be managed chronically. A significant constraint of HAART is the high prevalence of adverse drug events (ADE) among HIV patients taking them. Objectives: The study determined the frequency and severity of reported antiretroviral adverse events among HIV-infected adults (≥16 years) at the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, within five years. Antiretroviral therapies implicated in the reported adverse drug events were also determined. Method: Information on reported ADEs was extracted from the NAFDAC Pharmacovigilance forms in the Pharmacovigilance section of the IHV Clinic Pharmacy. The severity of ADEs was classified using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) index for categorizing errors. Results: A hundred and nineteen (119) patients reported 161 ADEs within the 5-year study period (2017-2021). Most ADE reports came from females (74.53%) and patients 36-55 years old. Dizziness (31.1%), Rashes (14.3%), and Fatigue (13.0%) were prominent among all the ADE reports documented. TDF/3TC/EFV (57.8%) and AZT/3TC/NVP (11.8 %) combinations were the frequently implicated antiretroviral regimen. All the ADEs reported were mild (Category ‘E’). ADE reports appreciated in the second year and progressively declined afterwards. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the system for antiretroviral ADE reporting through sensitization and developing a specific tool that enhances ADE reports from patients and healthcare providers.

Assessment of Plasma Homocysteine in Patients with Hypothyroidism in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been seen to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. The plasma levels of homocysteine and its relationship with hypothyroidism was assessed. Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients aged 20 – 60 years comprising of 60 hypothyroid and 60 euthyroid controls were assessed for the study. Evaluation of plasma homocystein was done using human homocysteine ELISA my BioSource. FT3, FT4 and TSH were also evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using stat fax-2100. Result: In our study, we have found the values of FT3 in the subjects as 1.21+ 0.89pg/ml lower than controls values of 1.92+0.66pg/ml, values of FT4 in subjects as 0.60+0.53ng/dl as compared to control group value of 1.40+0.30ng/dl, values of TSH as 2.07+1.19µiU/ml higher than the control group of 0.48+1.67µiU/ml. The mean values of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) for subjects was 34.50+10.01µmol/L higher than the control group with 9.30+2.11µmol/L. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that patients with hypothyroidism also have a high plasma homocysteine known to pose cardiovascular complications.

Renal dysfunction in HIV-infected patients commencing antiretroviral therapy in a treatment centre in southern Nigeria

Objective: As HIV becomes a more manageable chronic condition, with increasing life expectancy and an ageing population, kidney disease due to HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) have become more prominent. Moreover, the nephrotoxic potential of some frontline antiretroviral drugs has become established. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for renal dysfunction among HIV-infected patients commencing ART at a southern Nigerian tertiary hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study involving 263 HIV-infected treatment-naïve patients commencing ART at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. Blood and urine samples were taken from randomly recruited patients for appropriate laboratory analysis. The MDRD formulae were used for evaluating renal function while renal dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60mls/min/1.73m2 and /or proteinuria. Results: The average age of enrolled patients was 36.3±10.15 with 59.3% women. 33.8% had proteinuria and 6.5% had eGFR&lt;60mls/min/1.73m2. The prevalence of renal dysfunction was 37.6%. Age &gt; 50 years, anaemia and use of Traditional medicine were independent predictors of renal dysfunction. Conclusion: In this cohort of treatment naïve HIV patients, a high prevalence of renal dysfunction exists. Older age, anaemia and traditional medicine use were predictors of renal dysfunction. There is a need for clinicians to monitor these variables, especially the use of Traditional medicine which is easily overlooked in practice.

Assessment of Serum Vitamin D in Patients with Hypothyroidism in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Assessment of Serum Vitamin D in Patients with Hypothyroidism in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Biochemical pattern and prevalence of thyroid disorders among adults in a tertiary hospital in North-East Nigeria

Thyroid disorders are a relatively common group of endocrine disorders globally. Thyroid function tests are critical for diagnosing, screening, and prognosticating thyroidal and non-thyroidal diseases, and their accurate interpretation is required for effective and accurate patient management. A retrospective analysis of thyroid function tests - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (fT4), and Free Triiodothyronine (fT3) - was carried out at a Nigerian tertiary hospital between January 2017 and January 2024. The tests were conducted using an enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay system and interpreted following standard protocols. A preponderance of female patients was investigated for thyroid diseases, with a male-female ratio of 2.2:1. The majority (80.8%) of the analyzed requests showed a euthyroid pattern; primary hyperthyroidism was the most common biochemical pattern of thyroid dysfunction observed, accounting for 10.8% of all the analyzed requests. Secondary hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were generally rare. Occasional cases (0.3%) of T3 toxicosis were also observed. Goiters remain a common presentation of thyroid diseases in our environment. Primary hyperthyroidism and primary hypothyroidism are the most common forms of thyroid dysfunction observed.

Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Prescription and Consumption in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Gateway to the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship is an important action plan for curbing the rising trend of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Surveillance of antimicrobial use and consumption is needed as baseline data and for monitoring the impact of antimicrobial stewardship interventions. The survey was done to understand the burden of AMR, in view of establishing an antimicrobial stewardship program in our hospital. Methods: A point prevalence survey (PPS) of antimicrobial use and consumption was conducted on all inpatients admitted before 8.00 am on the days of the survey using a standardized questionnaire. The collected data were entered online into the Global PPS web-based application (www.global-pps.com), for analysis. Result: Of the 178 patients admitted during the survey period, 50.6% were on one or more antimicrobial agents. All the patients in adult intensive care units were on antibiotics (100%), followed by neonatal intensive care units (83.3%), with the least being adult medical wards (39.4%). Beta-lactam antibiotics were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial for various infections, especially skin and soft tissue infections, 41.3%, which were the most common diagnoses treated with antibiotics. The infection was mostly community-acquired (81.6%), of which 94.9% were treated empirically. There was no written guideline in existence. Conclusion: The present study revealed a poor prescribing habit because of a high rate of empirical treatment. The need for antimicrobial stewardship cannot be overemphasized as it will help streamline and improve the prescribing pattern.

Determinants/Predictors of QT Abnormalities in Patients on Psychotropic Medications in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

Cardiovascular disease is a major global burden and a leading cause of premature death among patients with severe mental illness. Over time, research and clinical practice have paid increased attention to the impact of psychiatric medications on cardiac repolarization. In a resource-limited setting, it is common for psychotropic medications to be initiated and maintained in an outpatient setting without baseline or follow up ECG. This study evaluated the determinants and predictors of QT abnormalities among patient taking psychotropic drugs. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population of 150 psychiatric patients on psychotropics and 75 controls. We studied the effects of various psychotropic drugs on QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QT interval (QTc) as well as correlation with the types and dosages of psychotropic drugs used. All the subjects had detailed clinical examination and resting electrocardiogram (ECG) at 25mm/sec done. QTc was determined using Bazett formula and QTd was determined by subtracting shortest from longest QT in 12-lead ECG. The prevalence of prolonged QTc and QTd as well as the mean QTc and QTd were significantly higher in patients than the control group. The mean QTc was significantly higher in patient on typical antipsychotics compared to those on atypical antipsychotics. Age, heart rate and antipsychotic dose in chlorpromazine equivalent were predictors of QTc with the heart rate being the most powerful predictor among them. Psychotropic drugs use is associated with QTc and QTd prolongation with age, heart rate and antipsychotic dose as predictors of QTc.

Visual Outcome after Cataract Surgery in a South-Eastern Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Aim: To evaluate the visual outcome of cataract surgeries done in a South-Eastern tertiary hospital. Methodology: The study is a 2-year retrospective study from January 2021 to December 2022. Case notes of all eligible patients that had cataract surgery within the study period were pulled out and relevant information extracted from them. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results were presented in percentages, tables and pie charts. Results: One hundred and eighty-two eyes were analyzed. Visual outcome continued to improve postoperatively in majority of the patients from first day to 3 months and was even better in some when corrected with glasses or with pinhole. The overall visual outcome was good in 70.3% and poor in 10.4% at 3 months. The major causes of poor visual outcome were aphakia and advanced glaucoma. Conclusion: The overall visual outcome after cataract surgery in these patients did not meet the WHO standard. Thus, there is need for training and re-training of the cataract surgeons, good patients’ selection, in-depth pre-operative work up as well as centre-based provision of needed equipments/ consumables in other to improve the visual outcome.

Occurrence and management of lower respiratory tract infections in children at a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objectives Infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria are the major causes of child mortality, with pneumonia, a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), being the foremost of the three. Antimicrobial agents are required to treat LRTIs, such as pneumonia caused by bacteria, while those commonly caused by viruses, such as bronchiolitis, do not benefit from antimicrobial therapy unless laboratory tests indicate otherwise. When not shown, empirical management of patients using antimicrobials remains a risk factor for antimicrobial resistance in the management of LRTIs. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of LRTIs in children who presented with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and evaluate their management in comparison with the guidelines. Material and Methods The study was a descriptive retrospective review of prescribing records for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) presented at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected through systematic sampling of the case folders of children aged five years and below who presented with RTIs from January to December 2021, using a data collection proforma. Collected data were cleaned and coded, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28 was used for analysis. Results There were 422 case folders containing diagnoses of RTIs. Of these, 36 (8.5%) were diagnosed with LRTIs and 28 (6.6%) had no comorbidity. Of the 28 cases without comorbidities, pneumonia (20;71.4%) and bronchiolitis (8;28.6%) were the only two LRTIs. Antibiotics were the most prescribed medications, followed by vitamins (8;28.6%) and antihistamines (7;25.0%). There were seven types and three combinations of antibiotic medications, the most being cefuroxime (10;35.7%) followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (7; 25.0%). One case of pneumonia did not receive an antibiotic. Laboratory investigations were not conducted for the majority (25;89.3%) of the cases presented. Conclusion This study showed that the LRTIs presented were mostly managed using the recommended antibiotics for pneumonia. Antibiotics for bronchiolitis without confirmation by laboratory tests may not have been justified as most of them are of viral origin. Deviations from guidelines may be reduced if national protocols are developed in managing LRTIs.

Burden and outcome of respiratory morbidities among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease-A retrospective review of emergency presentations in some Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Despite the huge burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) among Nigerian children, the burden and outcome of respiratory illnesses remain undocumented. Thus, we aimed to describe the spectrum and outcome of respiratory illnesses among SCD childrenand adolescentadmissions in ten Nigerian tertiary hospitals. A retrospective review of the SCD admission records of children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of respiratory illnesses from 2012 to 2021 in ten tertiary health facilities across five geopolitical zones in Nigeria was conducted. The data, collectedbetween March and June 2023, included the age, sex, diagnosis, complications, duration and outcome of hospitalization. Of the 72,333 paediatric admissions, 7,256 (10.0%) had SCD; the proportion of SCD from the total admission ranged from 2.1 to 16.3% in the facilities. Of the 7,256 children and adolescents with SCD, 1,213 (16.7%) had respiratory morbidities. Lower respiratory disease was the most common (70.0%) respiratory entity and the majority were pneumonia (40.1.0%), followed by acute chest syndrome (26.7%). Seventeen (1.4%) patients died; all had lower respiratory diseases [(acute chest syndrome ACS (11, 64.7%), pneumonia; 5, 29.4%, and asthma (1, 5.9%). Based on the proportion of deaths among overall SCD, the 17 death cases contributed 9.4% (95% CI 5.9 to 14.5). Factors associated with deaths included duration of hospitalization less than 72 hours and lower respiratory tract diseases. Sickle cell disease is a major contributor to hospitalization among Nigerian children and adolescents, with high respiratory morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia and acute chest syndrome were associated with mortality, andthe highest risk of death within the first 72 hours.

A study on Awareness and Knowledge of Surgical Site Infection among Dental Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Risk of surgical site infection (SSI) can be reduced or eliminated if its awareness and knowledge is optimal among patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of SSI among dental patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study design conducted in hospital setting on adult Nigerian population visiting a tertiary hospital between December, 2022 and February, 2023. The data was collected with a pretested 36-item, structured, close-ended, self-administered and interviewer -administered questionnaires. The data collected were socio demographic characteristics, past admission, days of hospitalization, reason for admission and history of SSI. Other collected data were awareness and knowledge of SSI. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed. The data was entered and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, United States of America). A critical probability level (p-value) of &lt;0.05 was used as the cut-off level for statistical significance. Results: A total of 102 dental patients were interviewed in this study. The age range and the mean age were 20 -76 years and 45.3± 5.1 years respectively. There was slight (55.9%) preponderance of female gender. Only 24(23.5%) respondents had heard of SSI and this was mainly through medical personnel. The majority (76.5%) of the respondents had never seen anyone diagnosed of SSI. Few (6.9%) respondents claimed they were enlightened about SSI prior to surgery. Overall, half (50%) of the respondent had poor knowledge while only 13(12.7%) had good knowledge. Marital status, level of education and previous admission were significantly associated with poor knowledge (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The awareness and knowledge of surgical site infection among patients in this study were relatively poor. Therefore, awareness campaign among Nigerian population can help improved the level of knowledge for better wound care and quality care.

Assessment of depressive symptoms among post stroke patients attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) occurs in a significant number of patients and constitutes an important complication of stroke, leading to greater disability as well as increased mortality. This study examined depressive symptoms among post stroke patients attending neurology clinic in a tertiary hospital in Northwest Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 83 stroke survivors. Participants were administered socio-demographic, clinical characteristics pro-forma questionnaire and depression subscale of the Hospital and Anxiety Depressive Scale (HADS). Results: The 83 participants recruited for study had a mean age of 56.8 years (s.d. = 10.2) and 62.7 % were female. Majority (60.2%) had formal education, 83.1% were employed, and 73.5% were married. Overall, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34.9% while 2.4% were rated as having severe depressive symptoms. Unemployment, having disabilities and post stroke complications were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The presence of depressive symptoms among stroke patients supports the need to consider routine screen for psychiatry morbidity among patients with medical condition that causes disabilities. Disability has been identified as the main predictor of depressive symptoms. In view of this, psychosocial evaluation and intervention should be integrated into clinical care of stroke patients for early detection of depressive symptoms.