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Published on: August 18, 2015
Stroke in the young: incidence and pattern in Benghazi, Libya
Insights
Stroke incidence in young adults (15-40 years) in Benghazi is notably high, with hypertension and diabetes being key risk factors. This study highlights significant stroke prevalence in this demographic, irrespective of population age distribution.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke, a leading cause of disability and death, traditionally affects older populations.
- However, a rising incidence of stroke in younger individuals (stroke in the young) presents a growing public health concern globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of stroke in the young is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of stroke in the young (15-40 years) in Benghazi.
- To identify associated risk factors contributing to stroke in this age group.
- To analyze the demographic and clinical profile of young stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing stroke cases registered in Benghazi over a one-year period (November 1, 1983 - October 30, 1984).
- Inclusion criteria focused on patients aged 15-40 years.
- Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Out of 329 stroke cases, 63 (32 males, 31 females) were in the 15-40 age group.
- The annual age-specific crude incidence rates were 39.3/100,000 for men and 40.3/100,000 for women.
- Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia were significant risk factors. 78% of young stroke victims had one or more risk factors, and all patients under 30 had identified risk factors. Eight young stroke patients died.
Conclusions:
- Benghazi exhibits a high incidence of stroke in the young, not attributable to population age structure.
- Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia are significant risk factors for stroke in this demographic.
- The high prevalence of risk factors in young stroke patients underscores the need for early detection and management to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Out of 329 cases of stroke registered in Benghazi between November 1, 1983 and October 30, 1984, 63 patients comprising 32 males and 31 females belonged to the 15-40-year age group (stroke in the young). The annual age-specific crude incidence of stroke in the young was 39.3 and 40.3 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. The age-adjusted incidence rate for both sexes for the age-specific (15-40 years) population was 47 per 100,000. The sex-dependent difference in the incidence was not statistically significant. These results emphasize that the high incidence of stroke in the young in Benghazi is not a reflection of the age distribution of the population. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypercholesterolemia were important components of high stroke profile in the young. One or more risk factors were identified in 78% of total young stroke victims and in all the patients under the age of 30. Eight young stroke subjects died during the study period.
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