AGE AND GENDER STRUCTURE OF STROKE INCIDENCE IN THE CITY OF ANDIJAN: ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Abstract

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Understanding regional age and gender characteristics of stroke incidence is essential for optimizing prevention and healthcare planning. Objective: To analyze the dynamics and age–gender structure of stroke incidence in the city of Andijan based on a three-year retrospective study (2023–2025). Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological analysis included 6,842 cases of first-ever stroke registered in Andijan from 2023 to 2025. Diagnoses were verified clinically and by neuroimaging (CT/MRI). Incidence rates per 100,000 population, age- and sex-specific distribution, and the proportion of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were assessed. Stroke severity was evaluated using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.26.0 with linear trend and correlation analysis; differences were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: Stroke incidence increased from 265.1±2.3 per 100,000 population in 2023 to 291.4±2.8 in 2025 (9.9% increase, p<0.05). Ischemic stroke predominated (82.4%), followed by hemorrhagic stroke (14.8%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (2.8%). Among individuals under 55 years, men predominated (1.8:1), while in those over 75 years women predominated (1:2.4). The peak incidence occurred at 60–69 years in men and 70–79 years in women. The mean age was higher in ischemic stroke compared to hemorrhagic stroke (68.4±1.2 vs. 61.5±1.8 years, p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between age and stroke severity (r=0.64, p<0.001). Acute mortality was higher among working-age men compared to women of the same age group (15.4% vs. 12.1%, p<0.05). Conclusions: Stroke incidence in Andijan shows a steady upward trend with pronounced age and gender differences. Men of working age and elderly women represent key risk groups. The association between advanced age and greater stroke severity underscores the need for specialized stroke units and targeted preventive strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.