TY  - JOUR
AU  - DHSc, Zandy Uriel Elliott1PhD,
AU  - DrPH, Paul Andrew Bourne2PhD.
PY  - 2024
TI  - An Inquiry into the Demographic and Health-related Factors associated with the Incidence of Stroke in Jamaica
JF  - Global Journal of Transformation in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Consumer Health; Vol 5 No 1 (2024): Global Journal of Transformation in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Consumer Health (GJTPFCH)
KW  - 
N2  -   Introduction : Stroke is a global public health phenomenon that is among the top five leading causes of death; 12 million people experience one annually, 6.5 million people die because of a stroke annually, and 25% of people will have a stroke after their 25th birthday. However, the stroke statistics for Jamaica were estimated to be 13.62% ( n =2,479 Jamaicans) of total deaths in 2018. Yet, no study has emerged that has examined the demographic and health factors associated with the incidence of stroke in Jamaica.     Objective : This study evaluates the demographic and health factors associated with stroke, enabling medical professionals to understand high-risk factors better and implement preventative care strategies in Jamaica-filling a significant gap in public health knowledge.     Methods and Materials : This research employed an explanatory cross-sectional design that examined Jamaican demographics, health, and stroke rates. Secondary data from the Office of the Consultant Neurologist (OCN) from 2000-2023 was integrated into the Social Ecological Model (SEM). The study included 291 stroke patients aged 18 and older, excluding those under 18 and those with other health issues. A multivariate logistic regression was used to address the research questions.     Findings : Tertiary education was associated with a 5% higher risk of stroke (OR = 1.05) than secondary education (CI [0.402, 2.75]). Renal disease ( p  = 0.055) and employment status was not predictors of stroke ( p  = 0.075). Employed individuals had a 3.2% increase in the likelihood of getting a stroke compared to their unemployed counterparts. Alcohol consumption did not significantly predict stroke occurrence ( p  = 0.070), nor did hypertension significantly predict stroke ( p  = .270). Gender did not predict stroke, but age was a predictor. Future research should uncover demographic and health aspects in other emerging nations .       Conclusion : The findings can help to drive sustainable positive social change by informing stroke policies, prevention, and quality of life programs in Jamaica, resulting in positive social change. 
UR  - https://medical.eurekajournals.com/index.php/IJTPFCH/article/view?path=