GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SEASONAL VARIATION IN STROKE INCIDENCE IN BAKU AND ITS FEATURES IN URBAN DISTRICTS

Abstract

This article presents information about a study conducted to assess seasonal changes in stroke incidence across various districts of Baku, with varying environmental conditions. The study involved collecting information on all stroke cases registered in emergency medical services, polyclinics, and hospitals in Baku over a full calendar year (01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023). Stroke cases were categorized by patients' place of residence (districts of Baku) and, within each district, by month, season, and period of the year (cold and warm months). The significance of inter-district and seasonal increases in incidence was evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test. The study results indicated that a significantly higher number of stroke cases in Baku were observed in March, during spring, and in the cold periods of the year. A similar situation was noted in the Khatai, Garadagh, Sabail, and Yasamal districts. In conclusion, it can be stated that the seasonal fluctuation in stroke incidence in Baku and some of its districts shares a common characteristic (a spring increase in incidence and a high risk during the cold period). The city-wide characteristic of stroke seasonality in a large city may exhibit specific peculiarities in its individual districts.