Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Stroke Among Neurological Disorders in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

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Published: 2026-06-04
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/da3yr366
Keywords:
Stroke, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, neurological disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, Pakistan

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Muhammad Ismial Bhatti
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Riphah International University, Al-Mizan Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tooba Ajaz
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Riphah International University, Gulberg Green Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Rahila Suleman
Assistant Professor Physiotherapy, University Institute of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Ayesha Bashir
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major contributor to neurological morbidity, disability, and healthcare burden, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where modifiable vascular and metabolic risk factors remain highly prevalent. Objective: To determine the frequency of stroke among adult patients with neurological disorders in selected hospitals and clinics of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and to describe the risk-factor profile of patients diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among 377 adult neurological patients recruited from selected healthcare facilities. Demographic characteristics, neurological diagnosis, stroke status, stroke subtype, episode history, and common vascular risk factors were recorded using a structured questionnaire and available medical documentation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with categorical variables summarized as frequencies and percentages and age summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The mean age of participants was 53.53 ± 15.80 years; 217 (57.56%) were male and 236 (62.60%) were urban residents. Stroke was identified in 149 participants, giving a frequency of 39.52%. Among stroke cases, 105 (70.47%) had ischemic stroke and 44 (29.53%) had hemorrhagic stroke. One-time stroke was reported by 117 (78.52%) patients, while recurrent episodes were reported by 32 (21.47%). Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor among stroke patients (80.54%), followed by obesity (58.39%), diabetes mellitus (56.38%), family history of stroke (44.30%), smoking history (35.57%), high cholesterol (30.20%), and heart disease (28.19%). Conclusion: Stroke represented the largest diagnostic category among neurological patients in this facility-based sample, with ischemic stroke predominating and a high burden of modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors among stroke cases.

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Vol. 4 No. 11 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 11 (June 2026)

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1.
Muhammad Ismial Bhatti, Tooba Ajaz, Dr Rahila Suleman, Dr Ayesha Bashir. Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Stroke Among Neurological Disorders in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 4 [cited 2026 Jun. 4];4(11):1-14. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1728

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