LAUSR

BACKGROUND Stroke rates globally have been declining but a majority of the studies have been in urban populations. Regional populations have been under-studied and geographic health differentials can impact stroke presentations and outcomes. AIM To determine the incidence, risk factors for and survivability of stroke in patients presenting to a large rural stroke referral centre. METHODS Data was collected from one major regional stroke referral centre in Queensland, Australia, over 12 months with follow-up at 3.75 years for survival analysis. Patients were retrospectively enrolled based on a diagnosis made by a stroke physician. ICD-10codes at separation and postcode of residence were applied for case ascertainment. TOAST classification and the WHO standardized definition of stroke were applied. RESULTS There were 105 strokes in a population of 106,760 persons over 12 months, giving a crude rate of 98 per 100,000 and standardized rate of 52/100,000 per year. Cardioembolism (n=33, 31.4%) was the most common cause out of all ischaemic strokes (n=87, 82.9%), followed by large vessel atherosclerosis (n=26, 24.8%). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor in all stroke types and atrial arrhythmia was the most prevalent factor in cardioembolic strokes. Overall survival at 3.75 years was 61%. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of stroke in a regional Queensland population is similar to other regional populations and when compared with larger cities. Despite a global trend in stroke reduction, modifiable risk factors like hypertension and atrial arrhythmias continue to be over-represented in the stroke population. All-cause mortality after stroke is high especially during the initial period. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.