Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stroke is a major public health concern with significant socio-economic implications. Understanding the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of stroke patients is essential for effective prevention, management, and planning of healthcare services. This study aims to assess the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of stroke patients in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke patients admitted to the tertiary hospital. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical factors, risk factors, and stroke characteristics were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A total of 200 participants were taken in this study. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents were females (54.0%), and significant proportion were above 60 years of age (57.0%). Hypertension (94.0%), diabetes (70.5%), and dyslipidemia (53.5%) were prevalent among the patients. The most common type of stroke observed was hemorrhagic (37.0%). Headaches (71.5%), vomiting (66.5%), and convulsions (61.0%) were reported during stroke episodes. The study also highlighted the high prevalence of speech involvement (59.5%) and right-side paralysis (36.0%) among the patients. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to manage risk factors and improve stroke care. Significant factors of stroke were Diabetes and Dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke patients in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. The findings underscore the importance of stroke prevention strategies, including effective management of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The results also highlight the need for comprehensive stroke care services, including rehabilitation, to address the functional impairments associated with stroke.