Objective: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Algeria, where it is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability. The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological profile of strokes and analyze associated risk factors in patients managed at the University Hospital Center of Tlemcen. Design and method: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over six months, from December 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, including patients managed for stroke at the University Hospital Center of Tlemcen, with diagnosis confirmed by a reference examination: brain CT scan. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data entry and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 17. Results: The study population included 230 patients, with a mean age of 68.5 ± 14.8 years and a slight female predominance (sex ratio 1.12). The most affected age group was 80–89 years. Professionally, 45.2% were retired, 20.4% were civil servants, and 34.3% had no occupation. The majority were married (70%) with an average of 4 children per family. Socioeconomic status was low in 71.7% and medium in 25.2%, and 65.6% of patients had primary or no formal education. Ischemic strokes predominated (75.2%), followed by hemorrhagic (20.4%) and mixed types (4.3%), and 15.2% of patients had a previous stroke. Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor, affecting 69.6% of patients, with a mean duration of 11.6 years and only 64.8% receiving antihypertensive treatment. Other common modifiable risk factors included stress (94.8%), diabetes (46.5%, type 2: 86%), obesity (18.7%), physical inactivity (21.3%), tobacco use (25%) and hypercholesterolemia (14.3%). Other factors: cardiopathy (20.9%), migraine (10.4%), TIA (2.2%), and goiter (32.1%). Conclusions: In Tlemcen, strokes primarily affect elderly patients, with a slight female predominance and a higher prevalence of ischemic strokes. Early detection and management of modifiable risk factors, particularly hypertension, the most frequent risk factor, with health education and lifestyle interventions, are essential to reducing stroke incidence and improving patient outcomes. Establishing a hospital-based stroke registry in Tlemcen could strengthen targeted prevention and monitoring strategies for the local population.
Abdrebbi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.