Balance impairment and associated factors among stroke survivors in public hospitals of Amhara regional state: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Balance impairment is one of the common impairments in patients after stroke. It can lead to depression reduced speed of mobility, dependent on assistive device and reduce quality of life. However, evidence on balance impairment and its risk factors among stroke survivors in Ethiopia was lacking particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate prevalence and associated factors of balance impairment among stroke survivor's attendee at an outpatient clinic in Amara regional state comprehensive specialized hospital.

Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April1-June 30, 2022. A total of 400 participants were selected using the systematic random sampling technique. Standard Berg balance scale tool and semi-structure questionnaire was used. Multicollinearity and model fitness were checked. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the Bivariable regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression and p value < 0.05 was used as cutoff point for significant variables.

Result: The prevalence of balance impairment was 51.5% (95% CI (46.58, 56.39). Being depressed (AOR = 12.25:95% CI (4.727, 31.779), using walking aids (AOR = 8.76:95%CI3.469, 22.117)), abnormal speed (AOR = 6.73:95%CI (2.671, 16.977)), did not have physiotherapy treatment (AOR = 3.96:95%CI (1.483, 10.586), and unmarried (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.061, 6.903) were significantly associated with balance impairment.

Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of balance impairment in the study was high. Being depressed, use walking aids, did not have physiotherapy treatment, abnormal speed of mobility, and unmarried were significantly associated factors. Therefore; it is better to give greater emphasis for those factors.