The European Stroke Organization (ESOC) recently presented research at its 10th European Conference 2024 that highlights significant disparities in survival rates after a stroke, depending on the social determinants of health (SDoH). Conducted at the University of Gothenburg, this study reveals alarming correlations between socioeconomic status and post-stroke outcomes.
The analysis, covering 6,901 stroke patients in Gothenburg between 2014 and 2019, identified significant links between income, education level and post-stroke mortality. The results indicate that high-income people have a 32% lower mortality risk compared to their less fortunate counterparts. Likewise, those with higher education enjoy a 26% reduction in the risk of death from stroke.
Professor Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, leader of the study, points out that these disparities illustrate a stark reality where socio-economic status can significantly influence the chances of surviving a stroke.
SDoH factors and their cumulative impact
The SDoH factors analyzed included place of residence, country of birth, education and income. The study found that the presence of one adverse factor increases the risk of mortality by 18%, a risk that rises to 24% in individuals with two to four adverse factors.
This trend is further compounded by other health conditions like physical inactivity, diabetes, alcohol abuse and atrial fibrillation, which also contribute to increased mortality risk.
Gender disparities and risky behaviors
The results show a higher proportion of women in the group with two to four adverse SDoH factors, as well as an increased prevalence of smoking in this same group, highlighting different patterns of behavioral risk and vulnerability between the sexes.
Towards a reduction in the burden of stroke
Professor Stibrant Sunnerhagen calls for targeted interventions and adaptation of policies to better take into account the specific circumstances of diverse communities. She emphasizes the importance for clinicians to identify patients with unfavorable SDoH factors to effectively prevent post-stroke mortality.
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