Prevalence and risk factors of stroke in Azar cohort-North-West of Iran

Since the prevalence and risk factors of stroke could differ in different geographical areas, analyzing data derived from longitudinal community-based studies with large sample size like cohort studies at the desired geographical region is of importance. Accordingly, the present study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in the population covered by the Azar cohort. The Azar cohort data were used in the present case-control study. A total of 357 subjects in two groups with and without a history of stroke were investigated, and their demographic information, medical history, laboratory test results (eg, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile), anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and fat intake were compared. The collected data were analyzed using independent t test and Chi-square tests to compare demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, and anthropometricindices. Logistic regression was also used to examine the contribution of variables to stroke. The prevalence of stroke in the population covered by the Azar cohort was 7.9 cases per 1000 population. All risk factors for stroke were examined and the results in the present population showed that fatty liver increased the risk of stroke by 3.35 (CI%:2.66-7.31 times. The prevalence of stroke in Azar cohort population was 7.9 cases per 1000 population, which is higher than the average value reported in Iran (1.5 per 1000). Fatty liver can be the risk factors for stroke in the population covered by the Azar cohort. It is suggested that preventive and screening measures be on the agenda of future studies for people prone to stroke.