Title : Association of irregular intake of antihypertensive drugs and socio demographic trend with risk of stroke
Abstract:
Background: This case control study attempted to determine the relationship between irregular intake of antihypertensive drugs and stroke among hypertensive patients. Demographic profile of the patients was analyzed thoroughly, and risk factors among those characteristics were also sought. Materials and Methods: 90 cases matched with 90 controls were included in the study. The relationship was determined employing statistical methods including Chi Square (χ2) test, binary logistic regression. Findings: The odds of development of stroke was 4.78 times higher (95% confidence interval 2.465 - 9.272) in the group taking antihypertensive drugs irregularly than in the group adhering to antihypertensive medication on a regular basis. Age, sex, social-status, monthly income, educational status, irregularity in taking drugs, all were calculated as independent covariates, and development of stroke as dependent variable, one year increase in age raises the odds of developing stroke by 1.113, p value < 0.001, male sex has the odd’s ratio = 30.029 of having stroke which is statistically significant, p value = 0.004. Similarly, a person from small business has the odd’s ratio = 32.423, p value = 0.006, illiterate educational group has odd’s ratio = 20.250, p value = 0•016, irregularity of taking drugs has odd’s ratio = 12.174, and p value < 0.001 Conclusion: Irregular intake of antihypertensive drugs is associated with stroke. Significant associations were also found with male sex, age, and small business occupation and illiteracy with development of stroke.
