Accessing the Factors associated with Stroke among adults in the Appalachian Region, USA.
Abstract
Introduction Stroke is the fifth leading cause of mortalities and long-term disabilities in the United States. In the Appalachian region, the impact of stroke is more pronounced due to higher rates of chronic diseases and several healthcare challenges. Understanding the factors linked to stroke prevalence in the region is crucial for devising effective solutions. Purpose Statement This study seeks to determine the prevalence and identify the predictors of stroke in the Appalachian region. Method This study utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey conducted in 2022 with a sample size of 91,126. The statistical analysis performed included weighted frequency distribution. A bivariate survey logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors. Variables with a significance level of 0.2 and below were then modeled using the multivariate survey logistic regression. The final predictive model was generated using the backward manual elimination method. Results The prevalence of stroke in the Appalachian region was 3.96% with a Confidence interval (CI) ranging from 3.77-4.17. The factors associated with increased odds of getting stroke were age between 45-64 (AOR=3.6, CI:2.83-4.673), age 65+ (AOR=5.1, CI:3.9-6.52), being a veteran (AOR=1.35, CI:1.14-1.61), smoking (AOR=1.26, CI:1.09-1.45), COPD (AOR= 1.51, CI:1.23-1.81), depressive disorder (AOR=1.344, CI:1.51-1.57), kidney disease (AOR=1.66, CI:1.33-2.07) and diabetes( AOR=1.46, CI:1.25-1.72). Also, Black and American Indian/Alaskan native had increased odds. Factors with decreased odds of stroke were good health, alcohol consumption, higher income and higher education levels. Conclusion The prevalence of stroke in the Appalachian region is above the national average of 3.4%. The drastic increased odds for ages 45-64 and 65+ highlights the need for targeted interventions for older adults. The comorbidities highlighted increase the risk of stroke, thus integrated care is essential in reducing the incidence of stroke. Smoking increases the risk for stroke, emphasizing the importance of tobacco cessation programs.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate Student - Masters
Faculty Mentor
SHIMIN ZHENG
Faculty Department
Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Accessing the Factors associated with Stroke among adults in the Appalachian Region, USA.
Introduction Stroke is the fifth leading cause of mortalities and long-term disabilities in the United States. In the Appalachian region, the impact of stroke is more pronounced due to higher rates of chronic diseases and several healthcare challenges. Understanding the factors linked to stroke prevalence in the region is crucial for devising effective solutions. Purpose Statement This study seeks to determine the prevalence and identify the predictors of stroke in the Appalachian region. Method This study utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey conducted in 2022 with a sample size of 91,126. The statistical analysis performed included weighted frequency distribution. A bivariate survey logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors. Variables with a significance level of 0.2 and below were then modeled using the multivariate survey logistic regression. The final predictive model was generated using the backward manual elimination method. Results The prevalence of stroke in the Appalachian region was 3.96% with a Confidence interval (CI) ranging from 3.77-4.17. The factors associated with increased odds of getting stroke were age between 45-64 (AOR=3.6, CI:2.83-4.673), age 65+ (AOR=5.1, CI:3.9-6.52), being a veteran (AOR=1.35, CI:1.14-1.61), smoking (AOR=1.26, CI:1.09-1.45), COPD (AOR= 1.51, CI:1.23-1.81), depressive disorder (AOR=1.344, CI:1.51-1.57), kidney disease (AOR=1.66, CI:1.33-2.07) and diabetes( AOR=1.46, CI:1.25-1.72). Also, Black and American Indian/Alaskan native had increased odds. Factors with decreased odds of stroke were good health, alcohol consumption, higher income and higher education levels. Conclusion The prevalence of stroke in the Appalachian region is above the national average of 3.4%. The drastic increased odds for ages 45-64 and 65+ highlights the need for targeted interventions for older adults. The comorbidities highlighted increase the risk of stroke, thus integrated care is essential in reducing the incidence of stroke. Smoking increases the risk for stroke, emphasizing the importance of tobacco cessation programs.