Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Stroke in North Sumatra: A Multicenter Hospital‐Based Study
Fasihah Irfani Fitri, Alfansuri Kadri, Chairil Amin Batubara, Prima Heptayana Nainggolan, Oriza Novita, Etiya Ekayana, Muhammad Gandhi Sastrawan, Neni Nurchalida, Ika Mariana Gultom, Carina Shelia Puspitasari, Saulina Sembiring, Adi Putra, Petrus Nilwan Ginting, Irina Kemala Nasution, Annisa Ismira, Lisbeth Meilina Sitanggang, Meiriani Keliat, Minar Aritonang, Octaviasari Agatha Dachi, Erlina Theovani Damanik, Cut Aria Arina, Aldy Safruddin Rambe,Background
Stroke remains a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In Indonesia, multicenter epidemiological data from regions outside Java remain limited. This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of stroke in North Sumatra using a multicenter hospital‐based dataset.
Methods
This multicenter cross‐sectional study analyzed medical record data of patients diagnosed with stroke between January and December 2024 across 25 hospitals in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Participating hospitals included public and private facilities with head computed tomography capability. Data included demographics, vascular risk factors, stroke subtype, clinical presentation, treatment patterns, complications, and in‐hospital outcomes. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequencies, percentages, means, and medians.
Results
A total of 2862 patients were included. Mean age was 61.2 ± 11.4 years, with the largest proportion aged 55–64 years (35.3%); 52.5% were male. Ischemic stroke predominated (84.6%), whereas hemorrhagic stroke accounted for 15.4%. Hypertension was the most common risk factor (80.5%), followed by dyslipidemia (32.6%) and diabetes (29.8%). Hemiparesis was the most frequent presenting symptom (63.5%). Only 11.3% of patients arrived within 4.5 h of symptom onset, whereas 45.2% arrived more than 24 h after symptom onset; arrival time was undocumented or unclassified in 20.4% of patients.
Conclusion
Stroke in North Sumatra is strongly associated with modifiable vascular risk factors and delayed hospital presentation. Strengthening prevention, acute stroke care systems, and regional stroke surveillance is urgently needed.