Study on correlative risk factors of stroke among rural residents from Hanzhong City

Objective To explore the correlative risk factors of stroke among rural residents from Hanzhong City and provide scientific evidences for effective precautions and interventions of stroke. Methods Residents aged 40 and over were selected from 2 of the 180 towns in Hanzhong City by random cluster sampling. A questionnaire survey was used and the physical inspection was performed to investigate the rate of stroke. Risk factors influencing on the cardio cerebral vascular diseases were analyzed by exhaustive Chi-squared automatic interavtion detector (CHAID) analysis and Logistic regression analysis. Results Of total 23 688 residents, 283(1 195/100 000) were diagnosed with stroke, among which most were aged 50 and over and those aged 70-79 had a peak incident rate. Male, high-blood pressure, cardiac disease, obesity, blood abnormity, family inherited disease, lack of physical exercise, smoking and drinking alcohol had relationship with stroke. Five interpretation variables were indicated using the category classification tree mode including 3 layers with 12 nodes which was built up by Exhaustive CHAID. According to the calculus of importance, the top 3 factors were family inherited disease, smoking and high blood pressure. Conclusions Comprehensive interventions and precautions for stroke would be needed to prevent stroke among rural residents in Hanzhong City, especially in those of high risk groups.