Title: Epidemiology of Stroke in a Rural Community in Kashmir
Authors: Dr Zarka Amin Masoodi, Dr Parvaiz A Shah
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i5.50
Background: Stroke is a common neurological disorder and is becoming an important cause of premature death and disability in low income and middle income countries like India. Despite being preventable stroke is increasingly becoming a major health problem. Given the limited information on the prevalence and associated determinants of stroke, the aim of the present study was to assess its prevalence and identify correlates in Kashmir. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in a rural community of Kashmir. A culturally adapted version of the structured questionnaire developed on the basis WHO protocol was used for sociodemographic and other related data. Individuals with stroke were clinically evaluated with detailed history and thorough clinical examination. The data was statistically analysed using statistical package SPSS Window version 16.0. Chi square test was used for the comparison of categorical variables. Results: A total of 6960 subjects constituting 51.75% males and 48.25% females participated in the programme. The mean age of participants was 42.62 years. Total of 57 subjects were found to have stroke yielding a prevalence rate of 8.19 per 1000 population. Out of 57 subjects 37 were males and 20 were females showing higher prevalence in males.The age specific prevalence rate for both the genders showed progressive increase in prevalence with advancement of age. Among the factors hypertension was found to be the leading risk factor associated with stroke. Conclusion: The prevalence of stroke in the present study is higher than previously reported. The low socioeconomic status of the rural study site, and the continued militancy related stress may be the contributing factors for a relatively higher proportion of population at risk of stroke. With hypertension as the leading risk factor, community screening programmes to detect subjects with high blood pressure and. health education measures about awareness of early warning sign of stroke are vital for timely and effective therapy. Key words: Prevalence, Stroke, Hypertension, Risk factors, Diabetes,
Abstract
