Gender-based analysis of ischemic stroke risk factors: A retrospective analysis

Background: Identifying acute ischemic stroke (AIS) risk factors is crucial in risk stratification and prevention measures. Here, we conducted a gender-based analysis of AIS in resource-limited settings. Method: This retrospective study included 80 AIS patients (40 male and 40 female) who were admitted to Al-Thora General Hospital in Ibb, Yemen, between June and September 2023. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were obtained from patient medical records. Univariate analyses were conducted by analyzing factors associated with AIS between different genders using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The mean age of females and males were 55.5 ± 17.6 years and 67.2 ± 12.4 years, respectively. According to the results of the univariate analysis, the following factors were statistically significant predictors of stroke in males: age >60 years (OR: 9.06; 95% CI: 2.11–63.31, p = 0.008), history of hypertension (OR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.34–11.84, p = 0.024), active smoking (OR: 9.00; 95% CI: 3.39–26.00, p < 0.001), Khat chewing (OR:12.67; 95% CI: 3.23–84.73, p = 0.001), history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 5.67; 95% CI: 2.04–17.71, p = 0.001), and severe stroke as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.18–14.16, p = 0.032). In contrast, shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) =28.4 seconds (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08–0.56, p = 0.002) was statistically significantly associated with AIS in women. Conclusion: Our study reveals that males aged over 60 years were at a higher risk of experiencing strokes, particularly those with a history of hypertension, smoking, Khat chewing, CVD, and severe scores on the NIHSS. Conversely, females with shorter APTTs (≤28.4 seconds) were more vulnerable. Effective preventive measures and risk management can prevent the occurrence of most AIS, particularly in environments with limited resources.