Abstract:
Problem Statement: In Ethiopia, stroke related deaths are increasing due to lifestyle changes
and improved life expectancy. Limited access to Health care facility, diagnostic investigations,
and patient delays in receiving medical attention negatively influence the outcome of stroke in
Ethiopia. The association between place of residence and timeliness of stroke care seeking has
not been studied in Ethiopia.
Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the association between Places of residence
in timely Stroke care access in Private Neurology centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. Medical records containing complete patient
information and confirmed diagnosis of stroke using Neuroimaging techniques were included in
the study. Place of Residence of the patients was categorised as those who live in Addis Ababa
and outside Addis Ababa. Timely stroke care was defined as those patients who presents within
24 hours after onset of symptoms and sign of stroke. The necessary data was entered into SPSS
version 26 and Logistic regression was used to assess associations between patient’s residency
and timely Stroke Care Access.
Result: Place of residency and referral were significantly associated with arrival time at stroke
centre. Compared to patients from AA, patients from outside AA had 7.5 times higher odds of
arriving later than 24 hours (AOR= 7.5; 95%CI 2.96, 19.1; p<0.001). Similarly, compared to
self-referred patients, patients referred by Health institution had 8.7 times higher odds of arriving
later than 24 hours (AOR= 8.7; 95%CI 3.4, 22.04; p<0.001)
Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings suggest that individuals residing in Addis
Ababa and those who are self-referred are more likely to seek medical attention promptly after
stroke onset. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve stroke
care access in regions outside the capital and the need for timely referral in health facilities