Abstract WP100: Stroke Incidence and In-Hospital Mortality in Abu Dhabi: Insights from a Population-Based Insurance Claims Analysis (2022)

Background: Stroke remains a major global health concern. In 2022, Abu Dhabi Department of Health published its stroke standards, marking the beginning of a coordinated stroke system of care. This study explores stroke incidence, in-hospital mortality, and care patterns across the emirate using insurance claims data. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of deidentified hospital insurance claims submitted to the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. The dataset included all patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during 2022. We examined demographics, stroke subtypes, hospital type, geographic location, and outcomes. Results: We identified 1,625 stroke admissions in 2022, yielding an incidence rate of 54.3 per 100,000 population. The overall in-hospital mortality was 3.1%, with notably higher rates among women (5.8%) and patients with hemorrhagic stroke (11.6%). Certified stroke centers managed 66.2% of cases and had a higher mortality rate (3.8%) compared to non-stroke centers (1.6%), likely reflecting the transfer of more complex cases, including intracerebral hemorrhage, to these specialized facilities. Importantly, 34% of stroke patients were treated outside certified stroke centers, with the Al Dhafrah region showing the greatest gap in access to specialized care. Conclusions: This study offers the first population-level snapshot of stroke care in Abu Dhabi. The observed stroke incidence rate is lower than global and regional averages, which may reflect a younger population, effective prevention strategies, or limitations in data capture. The low in-hospital mortality rate suggests strong acute care capabilities within designated stroke centers. However, the substantial number of cases managed outside certified facilities underscores the need to expand stroke system coverage and improve equitable access, particularly in underserved regions.