ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026YS73 MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY NEUROIMAGING PROTOCOLS FOR ACUTE STROKE IN KENYAN REFERRAL HOSPITALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT PRACTICES, AVAILABILITY, AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS

Abstract Background and aims Stroke is a leading cause of mortality in Kenya, yet acute imaging is largely limited to Non-Contrast CT, missing candidates for thrombectomy. This nationwide study aims to: 1) Map current CT stroke protocols across referral hospitals, 2) Assess technical and human capacity for advanced imaging (CTA/CTP), and 3) Identify key barriers to implementation. The resulting first national evidence base will directly inform policy and resource allocation to align Kenyan stroke care with international standards, improving patient outcomes. Methods This nationwide study uses a cross-sectional survey design. A structured English questionnaire, disseminated via professional associations, collects data on: 1) Hospital/CT capabilities, 2) First-line stroke imaging protocols, 3) Decision-making, and 4) Barriers to CTA/CTP (5-point Likert). The target sample is stroke care professionals from all 47 counties, recruited via purposive/snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics will analyze quantitative data. Ethics approval is secured from Coast General Hospital, with NACOSTI approval in process. Active data collection is underway, with analysis set for completion by March 2026. Results Data collection is now active. The clinically validated questionnaire is disseminated digitally to stroke care professionals across Kenya's 47 counties via professional networks. Early responses are being monitored. NACOSTI approval is in its final stages. Data collection will close in February 2026, followed by comprehensive analysis begining in March 2026. This pivotal phase transforms the study into actionable national evidence, quantifying the advanced imaging adoption gap, identifying key barriers, and establishing the first benchmark to guide future policy and training interventions for improved stroke outcomes. Conflict of interest Cliff Oguk ; Nothing to disclose. Dr. Benjamin Okanga ; Nothing to disclose. Miss Annie Kariuki ; Nothing to disclose.