Risk Factors for Ischaemic Stroke in an Omani Community: A case-control study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of mortality globally, with increasing incidence in developing nations.
• Identifying and managing stroke risk factors is critical for effective prevention strategies.
• Ischemic stroke (IS) poses a significant health burden, necessitating localized research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize ischemic stroke (IS) patients in Oman.
• To quantify the prevalence and impact of various risk factors for IS in Oman.
• To utilize a case-control model for robust risk factor analysis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted between January 2012 and March 2013.
• Adult Omani IS patients were compared with age- and gender-matched controls.
• Logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors for IS.

Main Results:

• The study included 255 IS patients and matched controls; most cases (89.02%) were over 45 years old.
• Cardio-embolism was the most common IS mechanism (31.76%).
• Independent risk factors identified were family history of stroke (OR: 10.10), hypertension (OR: 5.17), and low HDL (OR: 3.34).

Conclusions:

• Cardio-embolism is the primary mechanism of IS in this Omani cohort.
• Family history, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are significant independent risk factors for IS.
• Stroke prevention in Oman should prioritize risk factor screening, hypertension management, and lifestyle modifications, especially for individuals with a family history of stroke.