Burden of stroke in Nepal

Abstract

Based on disability-adjusted life years, stroke is one of the major causes of death and is among the top five diseases in Nepal. Despite this fact, information on the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of stroke in Nepal is limited to urban areas, with no official reports published on the epidemiology of stroke throughout the country. The mean age of stroke patients in Nepal is between 59 and 62 years, with males affected more frequently. Hypertension, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes are the main predisposing factors for stroke, and ischemic stroke is more common (63%) than hemorrhagic stroke (37%). Because of a lack of facilities and specialists, most stroke patients, especially in the rural areas, seek traditional healers to treat their conditions. More governmental and non-governmental organizations should be involved in improving facilities and implementing prevention strategies.