Risk Factors for Ischaemic Stroke in an Omani Community: A case-control study

abstract: Objectives: Stroke is recognised as the third most common cause of mortality and it has an increasing
incidence in developing countries. Recognition and control of risk factors are of prime importance in the prevention
of stroke. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of ischaemic stroke (IS) patients in Oman and quantify
its various risk factors using a case-control model. Methods: This case-control study was conducted from January
2012 to March 2013 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital, Muscat. Adult Omani patients with
IS who were admitted to either hospital were compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Demographic factors
and frequency of various conventional risk factors were documented. Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic
regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors associated with IS. Results: A total of 255 patients and
age-and gender-matched controls were included in this study. The mean age was 62.2 ± 13.2 years and 63.14% were
male. Most cases (89.02%) were above 45 years of age. Cardio-embolism (31.76%) was the commonest mechanism of
IS. Stepwise multiple logistic regression model revealed that family history of stroke was the strongest independent
risk factor, followed by hypertension and high-density lipoprotein levels (odds ratio: 10.10, 5.17 and 3.34, respectively;
P stroke, hypertension and reduced high-density lipoprotein were the leading independent risk factors. Strong emphasis
on screening for risk factors, control of hypertension and lifestyle modification for those with a family history of stroke
would be expected to emerge as the major stroke-preventive measures in Oman.