Risk Factors of Stroke in Patients Admitted in European Gaza Hospital, Gaza Strip: A case Control Study in Medical Unit Setting

Background: Worldwide stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. It is a global health problem and is a leading cause of disability. In rapid increase in burden of stroke in coming years and limited availability of stroke care in Palestine, it would be better to study stroke prevention strategies. The current hospital based case-control study was undertaken with aim, to identify the risk factors for stroke. Material and Method: Study was carried out in European Gaza Hospital from March 2014- May 2014. A retrospective case-control, age and sex matched study was designed to find the risk factors. Cases: The study consisted of 100 hospitalized computed tomography scan proved cases of stroke. Controls: The controls were selected from patients who attended the study hospital for conditions other than stroke. For each case of stroke, one control was selected. The controls were matched to cases in respect to age (± 5 years), sex. One hundred controls were selected in the same manner. Results: In a total of 100 cases, 59% were males and 41% were females. Sixty percent were more than 51 years with a mean age of 54.74 years. Ischemic stroke was found in 66 patients and hemorrhagic stroke was found in 34 patients. Bivariate analysis included odds ratio and its 95% confidence intervals were identified, hypertension (OR=4. 181), psychological troubles (OR=3. 026), obesity (OR=2. 923), diabetes (OR=2. 733), smoking (OR=2. 020), and hypercholesteremia (OR=1. 909) as a risk factor for stroke.