Abstract TP198: Stroke and Aspiration Pneumonia Trends and Disparities in the U.S. Population Aged over 25 Years (1999–2023): Insights from the CDC Wonder Database.

Introduction: Stroke affecting the brainstem or cortical swallowing centers can cause dysphagia, predisposing patients to aspiration pneumonia. Using U.S. mortality data from 1999–2023, this study examines deaths from stroke complicated by aspiration pneumonia to identify high-risk populations and guide targeted post-stroke prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of CDC WONDER data (1999–2023) identifying stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic; ICD-10: I60–I63) and aspiration pneumonia deaths (J69). Age-adjusted mortality rates were stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, region, and urban–rural status. Joinpoint regression estimated APC and AAPC (Average Annual Percent Change), with significance set at p