Risk Factors Associated with Stroke in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Stroke in young adults represents an important emerging health challenge, particularly in low and middle income countries where modifiable vascular risk factors are increasingly prevalent. Identification of associated risk factors among young stroke patients is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with stroke among young adults admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 consecutive stroke patients aged 18-50 years admitted to the Department of Medicine, Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from September 2020 to February 2021. Stroke diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, vascular risk factors, and lifestyle related factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire and clinical evaluation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Associations between stroke subtype and risk factors were evaluated using Pearson’s χ² test, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The mean age of participants was 42.09±7.14 years. Most patients belonged to the 36-50-year age group (88%), and males predominated (74%; male to female ratio 2.85:1). Most participants were married (96%), had low educational attainment (68% had no formal education or education below secondary level), and belonged to lower-income groups (74% had monthly family income ≤20,000 BDT). Ischemic stroke accounted for 81% of cases, while hemorrhagic stroke accounted for 19%. The most prevalent risk factor was hypertension (64%), followed by diabetes mellitus (45%), current smoking (39%), and dyslipidemia (38%). Multiple risk-factor clustering (≥2 risk factors) was observed in 92% of patients and was significantly associated with stroke subtype (p=0.001). Hypertension (p=0.041), dyslipidemia (p=0.027), and current smoking (p=0.014) were significantly associated with stroke subtype. Logistic regression demonstrated that smoking (OR 7.15, p=0.012) and dyslipidemia (OR 4.06, p=0.034) were significant predictors of ischemic stroke, whereas hypertension showed a tendency toward association with hemorrhagic stroke (OR 3.68, p=0.052). Young adult stroke in this study was strongly associated with modifiable vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, and clustering of multiple risk factors. Early identification and management of these factors are essential for reducing stroke burden among young adults in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Med J. 2026 Jan; 55(1): 39-47