Utilization of mobility assistive devices and associated factors among stroke survivors in Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study

stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, associated with impaired activities of daily living, reduced independence living, poor functional outcomes, and lower quality of life. Although the use of assistive devices (ADs) for post-stroke mobility is essential, evidence from the Ethiopian context is limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the utilization of ADs for mobility and associated factors among stroke survivors in public hospitals of the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary hospitals in the Amhara region from July 01 to August 31 2024. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured interview-administered questionnaire and chart review. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify factors significantly associated with the utilization of ADs. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. Out of the total participants, 53.4% utilized ADs for mobility. Factors significantly associated with assistive device (AD) utilization included being male (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.22, 3.73), being unmarried (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI:1.39, 4.63), higher educational attainment (primary education: AOR = 2.66, 95% CI:1.29, 5.45); secondary education: AOR = 3.02, 95% CI:1.34, 6.78; diploma and above: AOR = 4.29,95% CI:2.01, 9.15), prolonged hospitalization (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI:1.34, 6.70), participation restriction (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI:1.24, 5.32), and anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI:1.29, 4.48). More than half of stroke survivors utilized ADs for mobility. Being male, being unmarried, higher educational attainment, prolonged hospitalization, participation restriction, and anxiety symptoms were positively associated with AD utilization.