PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF STROKE AMONG ELDERLY AGED INDIVIDUALS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Stroke poses a significant health risk to the elderly population. Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors is vital for effective prevention and management. To review the prevalence and associated risk factors of stroke among elderly individuals through a systematic literature review. Multiple databases were searched for studies focusing on stroke prevalence and its risk factors in elderly populations. Studies were systematically screened for eligibility, and relevant data were extracted. Eight studies were included in the review. The prevalence of stroke varied across regions, with hypertension consistently identified as a dominant risk factor. Other significant risk factors included smoking, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and specific comorbidities. The results emphasize the importance of targeted interventions for the elderly, particularly centered on modifiable risk factors like hypertension and lifestyle habits. The findings also spotlight the need for region-specific strategies, given the variations in stroke prevalence and associated risk factors. The burden of stroke in the elderly underscores the need for effective preventive strategies, emphasizing lifestyle modifications and rigorous management of associated risk factors.