The richer you are, the less likely you are to die after a stroke.

The study analyzed data from 6901 stroke patients in Gothenburg, Sweden, between November 2014 and December 2019 to examine the impact of SDoH factors on the risk of post-stroke mortality. The study focused on four factors: area of ​​residence, country of birth, education and income.

In addition to identifying significant association between income, educational level and risk of post-stroke mortality, the study revealed an alarming trend regarding the cumulative impact of SDoH factors. Patients with one adverse factor had an 18% higher risk of mortality than patients without any adverse factor. This risk increased to 24% in patients with two to four unfavorable factors.

Main author, professor Katharina Stibrant Sannerhagenbelonging University of Gothenburg, Clinical Neurology, Gothenburg, Swedencommented: “Our findings highlight the harsh reality that a person’s socioeconomic status can be the difference between life and death in the event of stroke, especially when faced with multiple SDoH adversities.”.

The study also found a connection between increased risk of mortality and additional risk factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes, alcohol abuse and atrial fibrillation..

In particular, insight into gender differences and the potential influence of risk factors has emerged from examining patient characteristics in the study cohort. The proportion of female patients increased with an increase in the number of unfavorable ADOG factors; 41% of the group with no adverse factors were women, compared with 59% of the group with two to four adverse factors. In addition, smoking, both current and past year, was more common in the group with two to four adverse factors compared with the group without (19% vs. 12%).

Commenting on the actions needed to reduce the burden of stroke, Professor Stibrant Sunnerhagen explained:: “In light of our study results, targeted interventions are important. Policymakers should adapt legislation and approaches to take into account the specific circumstances of different communities, while clinicians should consider identifying patients with adverse SDoH factors to prevent post-stroke mortality.”

“By eliminating these disparities, we can significantly improve public health outcomes.”– the doctor finishes.