Gender-Based Differences in Stroke Types and Risk Factors Among Young Adults: A Comparative Retrospective Analysis

Background/Objectives: Stroke is considered the second-leading cause of mortality and a primary contributor to adult disability among both men and women. The primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into gender disparities and stroke subtypes concerning symptoms, risk factors, and clinical and laboratory aspects of stroke, with a specific focus on young stroke patients. Methods: In this retrospective comparative study, a total of 185 stroke patients were selected through random sampling from the neurology department of a local hospital in Pakistan between August 2022 and March 2024. Data collection was carried out using a standardized questionnaire, and the collected data were cleaned, processed, input, and analyzed using SPSS software version 24.0. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square test for categorical variables, and descriptive statistics were utilized to present the frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations of the variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Results: Out of the 185 participants in this study, 122 (65.9%) were male and 63 (34.1%) were female. The comparison of laboratory, clinical, and risk factors between males and females revealed a higher prevalence of smoking in males compared to females (p = 0.014). Additionally, higher levels of LDL and triglycerides were noted in males, while females showed a greater prevalence of vertigo (p = 0.002). No statistically significant differences were found in the comparison of laboratory and clinical characteristics among stroke types. In ischemic stroke patients, significant associations were found with symptoms such as loss of strength or weakness (p = 0.002), headache (p = 0.00001), and fever (p < 0.00001), although these associations did not differ by gender. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study underscore the disparities in stroke types and risk factors between genders, providing valuable insights for the development of gender-specific approaches for stroke assessment and prevention among young individuals in Pakistan.