Risk Factors for Stroke in Rural Population of Telangana State of India, an Unmatched Case Control Study

Context Stroke tops the list of causes for acquired disability among adults and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Evidence from developed countries indicate significant decline in stroke incidence and mortality, attributable to prevention of risk factors in general population. There is limited evidence on risk factors for stroke in rural India. Aims This study aims to ascertain the risk factors for stroke in rural Telangana and provide a guide to health care providers in adopting treatment and prevention strategies. Settings and Design The study was conducted in the Moinabad mandal of Ranga Reddy District, Telangana state of India. This is a population based unmatched case–control study. Methods and Materials All the houses of Moinabad were approached by a door-to-door survey to identify cases. A total of 288 persons were enrolled in the study which included 144 cases and 144 controls. Statistical Analysis To derive age and gender adjusted odds ratios of various risk factors, binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results The estimated crude prevalence of stroke in Moinabad mandal is 257 per lakh population. Modifiable risk factors identified were, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, smoking, diastolic blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and central obesity as measured by waist circumference. Nonmodifiable risk factors identified were male gender and higher age group. Conclusion The high prevalence of stroke in rural Telangana makes it an important public health challenge for the state. The identified risk factors need to be addressed at population level.