ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE IN RURAL RESIDENTS OF THE AKTOBE REGION

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with Kazakhstan reporting over 40,000 cases annually.
• Rural communities in Kazakhstan face disproportionately higher stroke morbidity and mortality despite existing healthcare initiatives.
• Disparities in emergency care access and risk factor management contribute to these rural-urban differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complex factors contributing to the variation in stroke incidence between rural and urban areas in Kazakhstan.
• To identify specific challenges faced by rural populations in accessing timely and effective stroke care.
• To analyze the impact of socioeconomic factors and healthcare access on stroke outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of stroke patient data in Kazakhstan.
• Comparison of stroke incidence, treatment, and outcomes between rural and urban populations.
• Statistical analysis of demographic data, risk factors (e.g., diabetes, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis), and clinical scores (NIHSS, MRS).

Main Results:

• Rural residents exhibit lower knowledge of stroke symptoms, leading to delayed care.
• Only 1% of rural residents have access to a primary stroke center within 60 minutes.
• Urban hospitals demonstrate higher rates of intravenous thrombolysis compared to rural facilities.
• Factors like diabetes, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis significantly impact stroke severity and disability.
• A predictive model identified cardiac arrhythmia and NLR as significant factors for unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in stroke care and outcomes between rural and urban Kazakhstan.
• Limited access to specialized stroke centers and lower symptom awareness in rural areas exacerbate the problem.
• Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions is crucial for improving stroke care in Kazakhstan.