Gender and stroke in Brazzaville

Background. - The relationship between gender and cerebrovascular disease is controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between gender and vascular risk factors, biological variables and the severity of the neurological deficit in stroke. Methods. - This cross-sectional study, conducted from March to August 2011 in the department of neurology of the university hospital of Brazzaville which included all patients hospitalized for confirmed stroke. The study variables were: age, sex, vascular risk factors, NIHSS scores and Glasgow, blood pressure, and the biological exams and complications. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS12. Results. - Eighty patients were included. The mean age was 62.7 +/- 11.2 years, with 58.8% of men. Alcohol intake and smoking were more frequent in men than women respectively P = 0.005 and P = 0.032. Psychosocial stress was more often declared by women than men (P = 0.042). However there was no significant difference in biological variables, the severity of stroke and the occurrence of complications Conclusion. - Our study suggests that in the Congolese context, gender does not influence significantly most parameters during stroke, but men consume more alcohol and women are exposed to psychosocial stress. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.