Stroke: Understanding Prevalence And Risk Factors At Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH)

Abstract

A stroke is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to a portion of the brain. The most prevalent causes of this are cerebral haemorrhage or an obstructed artery. The brain cells in that region, particularly those distal to the site of injury, begin to die from a lack of oxygen if there isn't a constant flow of blood and this could result in significant disability or even death. Stroke poses a serious public health concern, especially in areas like Zambia with scant epidemiological data. This research assessed the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in patients at Lusaka's Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH). A Cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. By purposeful sampling, all adult stroke patients admitted to the stroke, male and female medical wards between 1st October 2024 and 31st March 2025 were sampled. Data were collected from the medical records using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive statistics were employed to report the findings. Validity was ensured through pre-testing and expert review, and reliability was ensured through standardized training and data checking. Ethical approval was obtained from all research committees that were relevant. 137 stroke patients in all were included. The average age was 57.3 years, and 53.3% of the population was female. The most frequently reported condition was hypertension, which was followed by diabetes or concomitant HIV. Fewer patients had family histories of chronic diseases and stroke. While risk factors for lifestyle, such as alcohol consumption (38.7%) and smoking (17.5%), were noted, the documentation was frequently lacking. The history of diet and level of physical activity was not recorded for all but a few. Among stroke patients, sudden weakness or numbness was the most prevalent clinical sign. The study also revealed a 58.5% increase in incident initial stroke cases in the last 13 years, particularly in the last two years, likely due to worsening risk factors like hypertension and diabetes. This trend aligns with global trends, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Imaging was used in 73.7% of cases and was equally effective in identifying haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes across classified outcomes. The two biggest modifiable hazards were poor adherence to medication that was prescribed (27%) and undiagnosed HIV or hypertension prior to having a stroke (7.3%). The results of this investigation validate the multiple causes of stroke and the critical role that both modifiable and non-modifiable factors play. The most common causes of stroke in this patient population were poorly managed hypertension and lifestyle risks (such as smoking and alcoholism). An increasing trend in stroke incidence and Systemic obstacles to diagnostic and preventative care delivery are also shown by the results. In the absence of prompt imaging tests, sufficient documentation, and systematic follow-up, the results will be negative.