Prevalence of Stroke and Its Associated Factors Among Patients Attending the Emergency Department at Butare University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Purpose: Stroke is a major global public health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of adult disability. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Rwanda, bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for approximately 85% of global stroke incidence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stroke and its associated risk factors among patients presenting to the emergency department at Butare University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional study design was employed. Medical records of patients admitted to the emergency department over a one-year period were reviewed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 383 patient files, with data extracted using a structured checklist. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used to summarize patient characteristics and prevalence of conditions. Inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were applied to examine associations between identified risk factors and clinical outcomes. The results were presented using tables, charts, and narrative summaries to enhance clarity and interpretation. Findings: Of the 362 eligible patient records reviewed, 35 were confirmed stroke cases, yielding a prevalence of 9.7%. Stroke was more prevalent among patients aged 61 years and above (48.3%), and among females (54.1%). Bivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between stroke and increasing age (p = 0.001), as well as hypertension (p = 0.001). Hypertension was the most prominent comorbidity, present in 97.1% of stroke cases. Other factors, including gender and cardiac conditions, showed no statistically significant associations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study was informed by the Health Belief Model (HBM), which posits that individuals are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors such as hypertension screening and management when they perceive a high risk of a serious condition like stroke and believe in the benefits of preventive action. The findings demonstrate a high burden of stroke in this setting, with age and hypertension identified as the primary associated factors. Based on these results, it is recommended that policymakers strengthen national strategies for non-communicable disease (NCD) control, particularly by integrating routine hypertension screening, awareness campaigns, and accessible treatment at all levels of healthcare. Targeted public health interventions can significantly reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality in Rwanda.