Seasonal and Meteorological Influences on Stroke Incidence and Outcomes in a Tropical Urban Setting: A 10-Year Retrospective Study in Douala, Cameroon

Climatic factors may influence stroke patterns, but data from sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. This study assessed the relationship between weather variables and stroke incidence, severity, mortality, and hospital stay in Douala, Cameroon. A retrospective review was conducted using medical records from three referral hospitals in Douala from January 2011 to December 2020. Adults (≥18 years) with neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were included. Weather data: temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and sunshine duration, were obtained from the national meteorological agency (ASECNA). Associations between weather parameters and stroke-related outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Among 1,349 stroke cases (mean age 61 ± 13 years; 53% male), 65% were ischemic strokes. Stroke incidence peaked during the long rainy season (p = 0.053). Severe strokes were associated with the long dry season (OR = 1.88), low precipitation (OR = 1.74), and low sunshine (OR = 0.62), while the long rainy season was inversely associated with severity (OR = 0.60). Mortality was higher during the short rainy season, linked to high temperatures (p = 0.046) and moderate rainfall (p = 0.04). Longer hospital stays were associated with the long rainy season (mean difference of 2.3 days, p = 0.01), and were influenced by high wind (p = 0.023), heavy rain (p = 0.013), and low sunshine (p = 0.002). Weather conditions significantly affect stroke incidence and outcomes. Climate-informed public health strategies could improve stroke prevention and care in tropical regions.