Stroke in Libya: A community Based Study of Risk Factors

الملخص

A stroke is the leading cause of adult mortality and disability. It is the second most common cause of death globally
and may soon become the first cause of death worldwide. Among the most important riskfactors for stroke are
advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Hypertension and diabetes are the
most important and frequent modifiable risk factors of stroke. Estimate the most important risk factors associated
with stroke in Libyan population by using CHADS2 method.
This study is community based descriptive cross-sectional study among Libyan individuals who live in the capital of
Libya. Individuals who do not have atrial fibrillation were interviewed about risk factors of stroke using CHADS2
Questionnaire.
Among the population screened (7497) over five years from (2010 to 2014),the mean age was 52.0, with a range
of 16 to >80 years old. Prevalence of diabetes was in 39% of the population, with a higher incidence among males
than females (P = 0.001). Hypertensionwas 38%, with the males having a higher rate than females in most of the
age groups (P= 0.041). Diabetes and hypertension had an increased incidence with age groups over 40 (P<0.0001).
Congestive heart failure was 15.2% which increased with age (P<0.0001).The prevalence of congestive heart failure
was the highest in females aged of 16-59 and in males aged over 60 years.
Transientischemic attack (TIA) was 15%,with greater numbers in the males over the females in all the age groups (P
<0.001) and an increased incidence with age (P<0.0001).
Prior stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) prevalence was 9.7%, it was more among males than females(P<0.05) and
increased with age over40 (P<0.0001).
In this study, it is concluded that stroke is a major public health problem in Libya and that the prevalence of
stroke increases with increasing age, and males are affected more than females for most of age groups. Diabetes,
hypertension, congestive heart failure and previous history of embolic or transient ischemic attack are major risk
factors that are associated with stroke.