RISK FACTORS OF STROKE AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN ITS INCIDENCE IN VIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES

Author Name: 1Dr. Ndubilo, Paul Chukwuemeka, 2Dr. Ikeh, Grace Ladi, 2Dr. Maraizu, Ikenna Christian

Volume: 01 &  Issue:

Country: Philippines

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: http://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/10.2020-14494875/

Affiliation:

1. University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine, Vigan City, Philippines
2. University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine, Vigan City, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Stroke is one of the most worrisome diseases troubling mankind today. The increasing unwholesome lifestyles and industrialization, with the associated global warming, are some of the contributing factors to stroke incidence. The Philippines has also shared in the ravaging effects of stroke. According to World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death, after coronary heart disease, in the Philippines. However, virtually no research has been conducted to study the seasonal variation in stroke incidence in the Philippines. Thus, this research deemed it necessary to study risk factors of stroke and seasonal variation in its incidence in Vigan City, Philippines. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study. A review of hospital records of 303 patients admitted for stroke from January-December, 2017 was done at Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital, Vigan City. Statistical data was interpreted using Excel Data Analysis Tools. There was a significant difference in the stroke occurrence among the three seasons in Vigan City--Wet season (40%), Dry-cold (33%), and Dry-hot (27%). From the results, hypertension was the most common risk factor, followed by smoking, concomitant heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, family history of stroke, and asthma. Stroke incidence varies with seasons in Vigan City, with highest incidence in the cold season, whether dry or wet, and hypertension as the most common risk factor.

Key words: Stroke, Risk factors, Seasonal Variation, Incidence, Philippines