Perilaku Perawat Dalam Pencegahan Aspirasi Pneumonia Pada Pasien Stroke di RSUD Dr RM Djoelham Binjai

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, often complicated by aspiration pneumonia resulting from swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Aspiration pneumonia increases morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and treatment costs, necessitating optimal preventive measures. Pneumonia, particularly Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), is a nosocomial infection with a high mortality rate—reaching 24%–50% in Indonesia—and a global incidence ranging from 9% to 28% among patients on mechanical ventilation. Objective: This study aimed to assess the behavior of nurses regarding the prevention of aspiration pneumonia in ischemic stroke patients at Dr. R.M. Djoelham Regional General Hospital (RSUD), Binjai, in 2026. Methods: A descriptive study design using a survey approach was employed. The sample consisted of 15 nurses working in the ICU, selected via total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and were subsequently analyzed using univariate analysis (frequency distribution and percentages). Results: The results showed that all respondents (100%) demonstrated good behavior in preventing aspiration pneumonia. All nurses (100%) also exhibited good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding the implementation of aspiration pneumonia prevention for ischemic stroke patients. Conclusion: Overall, the behavior of nurses regarding the prevention of aspiration pneumonia in ischemic stroke patients at Dr. R.M. Djoelham Regional General Hospital, Binjai, in 2026 fell into the "good" category.