Differences in age and comorbidities of stroke patients from the galilee according to sex and ethnicity Shahien Radi, Ryder Chen and Zarka Salman

Abstract

Studies done on stroke demonstrated great variance in the rate of hospitalization, age of onset, mortality, and comorbidity between different ethnicities and sexes. The patient’s population at the Northern part of Israel includes distinct groups of different ethnicities, including Jews and Arabs. There is currently scarcity of studies that characterize these groups in relation to risk factors, age of onset and mortality. The purpose of the current study was to characterize differences in comorbidities and age of onset of stroke between different ethnicities. Data was collected from discharge letters of stroke patients admitted to Department of Neurology at Ziv hospital between 2010-2015. 964 patients were included, 64.2% Jews, 7.7% Moslems, 1.7% Christians, 22.5% Druze and 3.9% Bedouins. 61% male and 39% female. The study groups were divided according to ethnicities and sexes. The average age of onset for stroke was 63 for Arabs versus 67 for Jews and 67 for men versus 71 for women. The Jewish population had a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease, vascular diseases and malignancy, where in the Arab population metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia were more common. Women were found to have a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, endocrine disorders and hematologic diseases, while men were more likely to smoke and consume alcohol. This study showed differences in age of onset and comorbidity type between different ethnicities and sexes regarding to stroke. The results may be a corner stone in constructing a tailored prevention programs.