PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF STROKE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING BRAIN CT AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with a growing burden in Pakistan. Brain computed tomography (CT) is essential for the early diagnosis and differentiation of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stroke and identify the associated risk factors among patients undergoing brain CT at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, over four months (July–October 2023), after approval from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique, 150 patients of either gender, aged 18–60 years, presenting with clinical features of stroke and confirmed on brain CT, were enrolled. A pre-designed questionnaire recorded demographic data, stroke type, affected region, and known risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and atrial fibrillation). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22; frequencies and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Results: Of 150 patients, 117 (78.0%) had ischemic stroke, 14 (9.3%) had hemorrhagic stroke, and 19 (12.7%) had features of both. Of 85 male patients, 67 (78.8%) had ischemic and 6 (7.1%) had hemorrhagic stroke; of 65 female patients, 50 (76.9%) had ischemic and 8 (12.3%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke prevalence increased with age, with the highest burden (74.7%) in patients aged 46–60 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (94.0%), followed by diabetes mellitus (58.0%), smoking (16.0%), and atrial fibrillation (3.3%). Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was markedly more prevalent than hemorrhagic stroke in this population, with prevalence rising sharply after 45 years of age and a slightly higher burden among males. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the leading modifiable risk factors, underscoring the need for targeted screening and control programs in this age group.

Keywords: Stroke; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Computed Tomography; Hypertension.