Objective To analyze the risk factors for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We retrospectively studied the clinical data of 101 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to ICU of First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between 1 March 2010 and 31 March 2011. Results Thirty out of 101 patients developed SAP (29.70%). One-way analysis of variance showed that differences of age, diabetes history, stroke history, dysphagia after stroke, mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy and length of stay between SAP and non-SAP group were significant (P＜0.05). According to the logistic regression model, male gender, diabetes history, dysphagia after stroke and tracheotomy were independent risk factors for SAP in east China. Conclusion The prevalence of SAP in acute stroke patients admitted to ICU was associated with multiple factors and prevention of SAP in acute stroke patients should be warranted. Other potential risk factors of SAP need to be evaluated in further studies.