Prevalence of stroke and associated risk factors among elderly patients in a primary care setting: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major health concern worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the prevalence and risk factors associated with stroke in a primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Family Medicine and Polyclinics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh. Data were collected from patients aged 50 years and older who visited the clinic between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Stroke diagnoses were determined using ICD-10 codes, and data on demographic variables and stroke risk factors were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses included Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 2034 patients, 36 (1.8%) were diagnosed with stroke, predominantly ischemic (91.7%). Significant correlations with stroke occurrence included advanced age, male gender, family history of stroke, and comorbidities such as hypertension, transient ischemic attack, ischemic heart disease, brain aneurysm, and carotid artery disease. Multivariable analysis identified older age (≥80 years, OR = 8.949, = 0.013), male gender (OR = 5.980, = 0.010), underweight status (OR = 50.873, = 0.005), family history of stroke (OR = 12.603, = 0.040), and hypertension (OR = 7.984, = 0.009) as significant risk factors for stroke.

CONCLUSION

Stroke prevalence in the sampled population was 18 per 100,000 individuals, with advanced age, male gender, and hypertension identified as significant risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies and further prospective research to establish causal relationships and improve stroke management in Saudi Arabia.