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Stroke in Bangladesh: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Acute Stroke Services
Mudasar Aziz1, Naznin Bipasha2, Udit Gupta1
1Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2GF, UK.
Insights
Stroke incidence in Bangladesh is 3 per 1000 people. Addressing cultural risk factors and improving healthcare infrastructure are key to better stroke outcomes in the country.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, ranking third in Bangladesh.
- Stroke epidemiology and risk factors in Bangladesh differ from Western populations due to unique cultural and socioeconomic factors.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective stroke management in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of stroke in Bangladesh.
- To identify prevalent risk factors for stroke in the Bangladeshi population.
- To explore barriers to improving stroke care services in Bangladesh.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Mymensingh Medical Journal, Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience, and Google Scholar.
- The search focused on articles pertaining to stroke within the context of Bangladesh.
- Data extraction and synthesis were conducted to summarize findings.
Main Results:
- The incidence of stroke in Bangladesh is reported as 3 per 1000 people.
- Haemorrhagic stroke prevalence is higher compared to Western countries.
- Novel risk factors include squatting and betel nut chewing; barriers include lack of public education and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusions:
- Stroke in Bangladesh is linked to both traditional and culturally ingrained non-traditional risk factors.
- Improving patient outcomes requires targeted education, consideration of unique risk factors, and enhanced access to evidence-based treatments.
- Policy interventions are needed to improve equitable access to stroke care services.
Introduction:
Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. It is one of the foremost non-communicable diseases and the third leading cause of death in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a developing country and as such, the prevalence, risk factors and management of the condition has some differences with more Westernised populations. In this review, we look at the epidemiology of stroke in Bangladesh and what barriers exist to improving stroke care in this country.
Methods:
A systematic search of the PubMed database, Mymensingh Medical Journal, Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience and Google Scholar was conducted for articles relating to stroke in Bangladesh.
Results:
The incidence of stroke in Bangladesh is 3 strokes per 1000 people. The prevalence of haemorrhagic stroke is higher than in Western populations, and novel risk factors such as sitting in a squatting position and betel nut chewing increase a Bangladeshi's stroke risk. A lack of education on stroke symptoms and a poor internal infrastructure are the main barriers to improving stroke care in this country.
Conclusions:
Stroke in Bangladesh is associated with traditional risk factors and non-traditional risk factors that are behaviourally ingrained into the local culture. Improved outcomes for these patients will rely on education programmes for the population, a regard for these risk factors and improving the availability of evidence-based treatments. Innovative approaches from policy decision makers to enhance equitable access to stroke services may help in providing stroke care in Bangladesh.
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