Incidence and Risk Factors of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Ischemic Stroke with Dysphagia: A Cross-Sectional Study

<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Background:</strong> Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common and debilitating complication following stroke, typically occurring within the first 7 days of onset in about one-third of patients with acute ischemic stroke. SAP significantly contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs due to prolonged hospitalizations. In Riau, the reported prevalence of stroke is 8.3%, which has been rising since 2013, alongside an increase in SAP cases. Dysphagia, defined as difficulty swallowing, is a major risk factor for SAP as it predisposes patients to aspiration, a leading cause of pneumonia. If left untreated, dysphagia can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Despite the clinical importance of SAP, local data regarding its incidence and associated risk factors at Arifin Achmad General Hospital in Riau Province is lacking. This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with SAP in ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based references to improve neurointensive care and preventive strategies for SAP in this patient population.