Basel, Switzerland (ots/PRNewswire) – New research published today at the 10thth European Stroke Organization Conference (ESOC) 2024 found that high-income people have a 32% lower risk of dying after a stroke. Additionally, individuals with higher education have a 26% lower risk of death after a stroke, highlighting striking differences in stroke survival based on key social determinants of health (SDoH).
The study analyzed data from 6,901 stroke patients in Gothenburg, Sweden, between November 2014 and December 2019 to examine the influence of SDoH factors on the risk of death after a stroke. The study focused on four factors: area of residence, country of birth, education and income.
The study not only found a significant association between income, education level and risk of death after stroke, but also revealed a worrying trend regarding the cumulative impact of SDoH factors. Patients with an adverse factor had an 18% higher risk of death than patients without an adverse factor. In patients with two to four unfavorable factors, this risk increased to 24%.
Lead author Professor Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, University of Gothenburg, Clinical Neuroscience, Gothenburg, Sweden, comments: “Our results highlight the harsh reality that a person’s socioeconomic status can make the difference between life and death in the context of a stroke, especially if they are with faces several unfavorable SDoH factors.”
The study also found an association between an increased risk of death and additional risk factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes, alcohol abuse and atrial fibrillation.
The examination of patient characteristics within the study cohort revealed particular findings about gender differences and the potential impact of risk factors. The proportion of female patients increased with the number of unfavorable SDoH factors; 41% of the group with no unfavorable factors were female, compared to 59% of the group with two to four unfavorable factors. In addition, smoking, whether current or within the past year, was more prevalent in the group with two to four adverse factors than in the group with no adverse factors (19% versus 12%).
Regarding the measures needed to reduce the burden of stroke, Professor Stibrant Sunnerhagen explains: “Given the results of our study, targeted interventions are essential. Policy makers need to tailor legislation and policies to the specific circumstances of different communities, while clinicians need to identify patients with adverse SDoH factors should be considered to prevent mortality after stroke.
“By addressing these inequities, we have the potential to significantly improve public health outcomes.
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