A Descriptive Study to Assess the Risk of Stroke among Individuals with Hypertension and Diabetes in the General Population of Haryana

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Hypertension and diabetes
mellitus are major modifiable risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of stroke. Early identification of
stroke risk among high-risk individuals can aid in timely preventive interventions and improve health outcomes.
Objectives: To determine the level of stroke risk among individuals with hypertension and diabetes.
To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the level of stroke risk among
individuals with hypertension and diabetes in the general population of Haryana.
Methods: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A total of
58 individuals diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes were selected using a non-probability convenience
sampling technique from the general population of Haryana. Data were collected using a structured socio-
demographic questionnaire and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Descriptive statistics such
as frequency and percentage were used for data analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that out of 58 participants, 37 (63.8%) had no stroke symptoms (NIHSS score = 0),
15 (25.9%) had minor stroke (NIHSS score 1–4), and 6 (10.3%) had moderate stroke (NIHSS score 5–15). None of
the participants were found in the moderate-to-severe stroke (NIHSS score 16–20) or severe stroke (NIHSS score
21–42) categories. The results indicate that while the majority of participants did not exhibit stroke symptoms, a
considerable proportion demonstrated mild to moderate stroke risk.
Conclusion: The study concludes that individuals with hypertension and diabetes remain vulnerable to stroke and
require regular screening, monitoring, and health education to reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Early
identification of risk factors and implementation of preventive strategies can contribute significantly to stroke
prevention in the community.