The real stroke burden in the Philippines

Stroke is the Philippines' second leading cause of death. It has a prevalence of 0·9%; ischemic stroke comprises 70% while hemorrhagic stroke comprises 30%. Age‐adjusted hypertension prevalence is 20·6%, diabetes 6·0%, dyslipidemia 72·0%, smoking 31%, and obesity 4·9%. The neurologist‐to‐patient ratio is 1:330·000, with 67% of neurologists practicing in urban centers. Health care is largely private and the cost is borne out‐of‐pocket by patients and their families. Challenges include delivering adequate support to the rural communities and to the underprivileged sectors.
Source: International Journal of Stroke - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Panorama Source Type: research