Factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Stroke survivors can experience residual disability and are at risk for subsequent strokes that might cause further damage or even death. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Method: We used gender and age characteristics to match our study participants in a ratio of 1 case patient to 2 controls. The total sample size was 111 participants, 37 participants with recurrent stroke were considered as the case group and 74 participants without recurrent stroke were the control group. The case group was diagnosed by a physician along with a computerized tomography (CT) scan and received treatment at Sikhio Hospital in the period of 1 October 2021 - 30 September 2022.  Face-to-face data were collected by a structured questionnaire and compared to the medical record.

Results: The study revealed that risk factors associated with recurrent stroke in Sikhio District were comorbidities (AOR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.35-15.86, p < 0.014) and systolic blood pressure (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.10-5.78, p < 0.049).

Conclusion: Comorbidities and systolic blood pressure represented a risk to recurrent stroke among post-stroke patients. Therefore, hospitals should find effective methods to care for patients with co-morbidities and promote knowledge about blood pressure control.