Urban and rural differences of the risk factors for high-risk population of stroke in Tianjin area: a community-based Study

Abstract

Objective To investigate urban and rural differences of the risk factors for high-risk population of stroke in Tianjin area in order to provide the basis for developing regional stroke prevention and control measures. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study. From December 2014 to February 2015, the past medical history, family history, and life style of high-risk population of stroke in 2 communities of Tianjin urban and rural communities were inquired on-site, and the physical examination, laboratory examination, and cervical vascular ultrasound examination were conducted. The risk factors and test results of the urban and rural high-risk populations of stroke were compared, and the age and sex were adjusted. Results A total of 2 003 permanent residents aged over 40 years were enrolled finally, including 334 residents with high risk of stroke; 2 051 residents in a rural community, including 471 with high risk of stroke. The proportion of the high-risk population of stroke in the rural community was higher than that in the rural community (22.96% vs. 16.67%; χ2=25.189, P 0.05). The constituent ratio of intima-media thickness in the high-risk population of stroke of the rural community was significantly higher than that of the urban community (62.2% vs. 40.7%; χ2 =36.255, P<0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, there was significant difference (P<0.001). The plaque detection rate of the rural community and the urban community had a tendency of higher than that of the urban community (23.1% vs. 22.5%; χ2 =0.819, P=0.052), but after adjusting for age and sex, there was significant difference (P=0.031). There was significant difference in the eating habits between the residents of urban community and those of the rural community. The constituent ratios of high-salt diet (53.3% vs. 42.8%; χ2 =8.583, P=0.003), low intake of fruit (58.4% vs. 46.4%; χ2 =11.270, P=0.001), and low intake of milk (84.9% vs. 65.9%; χ2 =40.099, P<0.001 ) in the rural high-risk population of stroke were higher. After adjusting for age and sex, there were still significant differences (all P<0.05 ). Conclusions Compared with the urban community, the ratio of the rural high-risk population of stroke is higher and younger in Tianjin area. The ratios of risk factors and unhealthy living habits are higher. Therefore, attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of stroke in rural areas, enhancing health education of the rural residents and actively promoting healthy lifestyle. Key words: Stroke; Brain Ischemia; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Rural Population; Urban Population; Risk Factors