National analysis reveals projected increases in stroke rehabilitation demand in Saudi Arabia through 2030, suggesting urgent health system adaptations.
Key Points
Quantify trends in stroke incidence, prevalence, and disability in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2021 while projecting rehabilitation needs to 2030.
Secondary analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2021 data for Saudi Arabia
Evaluated stroke incidence, prevalence, and mortality using age-standardized rates
Used log-linear regression to analyze temporal trends
Mapped years lived with disability to rehabilitation modalities based on literature
Stroke incidence decreased from 166.3 to 130.7 per 100,000 from 1990 to 2021 (-21.4%)
Absolute stroke-related years lived with disability more than tripled, from approximately 10,900 in 1990 to 36,245 in 2021
Ischemic stroke accounted for 71.1% of total years lived with disability in 2021
Projected rehabilitation demand by 2030 includes 29,758 for physiotherapy and 15,083 for multidisciplinary rehabilitation