Nutritional Care Practices for Stroke Patients at a Neurological Unit in Ibadan, Oyo State

Dysphagia, altered consciousness, and physical disability associated with stroke create significant nutritional care challenges that require systematic assessment and management to prevent malnutrition and aspiration. This study assesses nutritional care practices for acute and post-acute stroke patients admitted to the neurology unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Post-stroke malnutrition is an independent predictor of poor functional recovery and mortality, yet structured nutritional care pathways for stroke patients are absent in many Nigerian tertiary hospitals. A prospective descriptive study enrolled 120 stroke patients over four months. On admission, nutritional status was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and anthropometric measurements. Dysphagia screening using the standardised swallowing assessment tool was documented. The route, timing, and nutritional adequacy of feeding during hospitalisation were recorded from nursing and physician notes. Estimated caloric and protein intake were compared against calculated requirements. Healthcare worker practices and attitudes toward nutritional care for stroke patients were explored through structured interviews. Findings are expected to reveal delayed dysphagia screening, infrequent dietetic involvement, and significant calorie-protein deficits during inpatient care. The study advocates for structured stroke nutrition care protocols and mandatory dysphagia assessment in Nigerian neurology settings. Keywords: stroke, nutritional care, dysphagia, University College Hospital Ibadan, malnutrition.