ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1275 GENDER AND AGE DISPARITIES IN POST-STROKE COMPLICATIONS IN A SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Stroke outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa are poorly characterised, particularly regarding the differential impacts of gender and age on post-stroke complications and recovery. This study aimed to investigate gender and age disparities in post-stroke complications and functional outcomes among patients discharged alive from a Nigerian tertiary stroke centre. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 stroke patients confirmed by neuroimaging. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including stroke type, complications, and functional outcomes measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, were collected. Statistical analyses comprised chi-square tests, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and ordinal logistic regression to evaluate the associations between gender, age groups, specific complications, and functional outcomes. Results Among 87 patients (58%) who developed complications, aspiration pneumonia was most prevalent (46%). The only significant gender disparity was for post-stroke seizures, which occurred more frequently in males (76.2% vs 23.8%, p=0.011). Complications were more common in older patients, though not statistically significant. Aspiration pneumonia was the only independent predictor of worse functional outcome at discharge (β=1.260, p=0.006). Neither gender nor age group was an independent predictor of mRS scores. Furthermore, no significant disparities by gender or age were observed in 30-day readmission rates or the length of hospital stay. Conclusions In this Nigerian cohort, post-stroke seizures were more common in males, but neither gender nor age independently predicted functional outcome. Aspiration pneumonia was the strongest modifiable factor linked to poorer recovery, highlighting its importance as a key target for prevention and management to improve stroke outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conflict of interest Obianuju Iheomamere Muoghallu: Nothing to disclose.