Stroke Recurrence Rate and Risk Factors Among Stroke Survivors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2024 Apr 8

PMID 38586306

Authors

Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda

Mark Kaddumukasa

Josephine Nambi Najjuma

Martin Kaddumukasa

Jane Nakibuuka

Christopher J Burant

Shirley Moore

Carol Blixen

Elly T Katabira

Martha Sajatovic

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Evidence supporting secondary stroke in sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. This study describes the incidence of stroke recurrence and associated risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods And Materials: Scientific databases were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2022 for population-based observational studies, case-control or cohort studies of recurrent stroke involving adults aged 18 years and above in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We assessed the quality of the eligible studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist for observational studies.

Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Stroke recurrence rates in SSA ranged from 9.4% to 25%. Majority of the studies were conducted from Western Africa and showed that stroke recurrence rates are high within sub-Saharan Africa ranging from 2% to 25%. The known stroke risk factors such as hypertension, chronic alcohol consumption, etc., remained the leading causes of stroke recurrence. The studies reported a higher mortality rate ranging from 20.5 -23% among those with recurrent strokes compared to primary strokes.

Conclusion: This systematic review is an update and summary of the available literature on stroke recurrence within sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies are warranted to assess the outcomes and burden of stroke recurrence in SSA.

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