Prevalence of stroke high-risk population and its associated factors in Neijiang

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of stroke high-risk population and its associated factors among residents aged ≥ 40 years in Neijiang, Sichuan Province, China. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Neijiang from May 2023 to October 2024. Simple random sampling was employed to recruit 6,072 residents aged ≥ 40 years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive, comparative, and multivariate analyses were used for data processing. 95% confidence intervals (CIS) were calculated using the Wilson EB and Newcombe RG methods. Of the 6,072 residents, the prevalence of stroke high-risk population was 24.52% (95% CI: 23.45%-25.62%). The prevalence was significantly higher in men (32.66% vs. 20.47%, P < 0.001), rural residents (28.23% vs. 20.67%, P < 0.001), residents with lower average annual income (26.16% vs. 22.79%, P = 0.002), and those engaged in physical labor (26.76% vs. 23.72% vs. 22.48% vs. 18.25%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence increased with age (16.23% vs. 22.91% vs. 27.08%, P < 0.001), but decreased with educational level (27.33% vs. 23.37% vs. 22.05% vs. 17.21%, P < 0.001). Residents with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, or family history of stroke had a significantly higher prevalence than those without these factors. The top three prevalent factors for stroke high-risk population were hypertension (82.20%), dyslipidemia (72.26%), and physical inactivity (42.04%). Hypertension (OR = 291.829, 95% CI = 185.207-459.831), physical inactivity (OR = 274.455, 95% CI = 170.791-441.039), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 268.155, 95% CI = 165.782-433.745) were the top three factors associated with stroke high-risk population stratification. The prevalence of stroke high-risk population is high among residents aged ≥ 40 years in Neijiang. Men, elderly, rural residents, residents with lower average annual income and educational level, and those engaged in physical labor had higher prevalence of stroke high risk. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity were the top three prevalent risk factors. Furthermore, hypertension, physical inactivity, and diabetes mellitus were the top three factors associated with stroke high-risk population stratification.