Description of the Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in the Lebanese Population: Their Association with Age at First Stroke Incidence and the Predictors of Recurrence.

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the third most common cause of death in Lebanon. With many preventive strategies identified, stroke remains a national burden, especially in developing countries, where risk factors and epidemiological states are understudied. This study aims to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors and health-related risk factors with age at first ischemic stroke and its recurrence in the Lebanese population. Methods: A retrospective study including 214 ischemic stroke cases was carried out. Sociodemographic characteristics and health-related risk factors were assessed, in addition to disability levels (modified Rankin score (mRS)), age at first ischemic stroke incidence, and number of ischemic strokes. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25, including descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Results: This study showed that stressful factors were significantly associated with a younger age at first ischemic stroke, such as having no partner (p < 0.001), having employment (p < 0.001), and having migraines (p < 0.001). However, metabolic risk factors were associated with an older age of ischemic stroke, such as hypertension (p < 0.001) and hyperlipidemia (p < 0.001). Moreover, having a partner (OR: 2.136), having a family history of stroke (OR: 2.873), having hyperlipidemia (OR: 3.71), and having atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.521) were associated with ischemic stroke recurrence. Conclusions: Many modifiable factors are associated with age at first ischemic stroke and its recurrence. This study sheds light on the necessity of increasing knowledge and awareness of well-known risk factors in the Lebanese population. These results suggest implementing targeted preventive strategies and highlight the importance of complying with early detection and follow-up measures.