Prevalence of Modifiable Risk Factors and Age Distribution Among Patients Admitted With Hemorrhagic Stroke at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and potentially modifiable vascular factors, particularly hypertension and physical inactivity, are important targets for prevention. Objective: To assess selected modifiable risk factors and describe the age distribution among patients admitted with hemorrhagic stroke at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat. Methods: A hospital-based quantitative descriptive study included 132 patients with confirmed hemorrhagic stroke. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and relevant medical records. Demographic characteristics, stroke type, previous hypertension, and physical activity were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Associations of age group with hypertension and adequate physical activity were examined using Pearson's chi-square test at α=0.05. Results: The largest age group was 51–70 years (65/132, 49.2%). Intracerebral hemorrhage accounted for 107 (81.1%) cases. Previous hypertension was reported by 126 (95.5%) participants, while 76 (57.6%) did not achieve ≥150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Age group was not significantly associated with previous hypertension (χ²=0.889, df=4, p=0.926) or adequate physical activity (χ²=3.740, df=4, p=0.442). Conclusion: Older age groups predominated, intracerebral hemorrhage was the most frequent subtype, and hypertension and insufficient physical activity were common among hospitalized patients