Impact of demographic and clinical factors on stroke incidence and recovery outcomes.

Abstract

Objective: To examine demographic characteristics, comorbidities, treatment patterns, and recovery outcomes among stroke patients, with a focus on associations between stroke type, recurrence, and pharmacological interventions. Study Design: Retrospective Observational study. Setting: Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan. Period: May 2025. Methods: Using hospital records from 72 confirmed stroke patients admitted demographic data, comorbidities, stroke type, recurrence, treatment, and recovery outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Results reveal that ischemic stroke was more prevalent (76%) than hemorrhagic (24%). Stroke was most common in patients aged over 70 years. Recurrent strokes were more frequent in ischemic stroke (36%) than hemorrhagic (6%) (p = 0.016). Diabetes was significantly associated with ischemic stroke (p = 0.001), while hypertension was common across both types. Patients without hypertension or diabetes had the best recovery rates, while those with both had poorer outcomes and higher mortality (72%). Comorbidities significantly affected recovery outcomes (p = 0.010). Ischemic strokes were significantly more prevalent among older patients, whereas hemorrhagic stroke were more common in younger individuals (p = 0.032). Anti-platelets and statins were effective in ischemic stroke, whereas anti-convulsants and osmotic diuretics were used more in hemorrhagic cases. Conclusion: Patients without comorbidities had shorter hospital stays, while those with both hypertension and diabetes had longer stays, and higher mortality. Ischemic stroke, more common in older adults and linked to diabetes, showed higher recurrence, whereas hemorrhagic stroke was less frequent, largely non-recurrent, and seen more in younger patients. Anti-platelets and statins were effective in ischemic stroke, while anticonvulsants and osmotic diuretics were more beneficial in hemorrhagic stroke.