KATH records 4 to 6 new stroke cases daily, over 1,000 annually – Neurologist reveals disturbing trend among youth

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has raised alarm over a sharp increase in stroke cases reported to the facility, describing the trend as a major public health concern. The concern was highlighted during a free health screening exercise organised by the KATH Stroke Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta Constituency. The exercise, held at Antoakrom for residents within the constituency, formed part of activities to mark World Stroke Day. Speaking at the event, a Neurologist and Head of the Multidisciplinary Stroke Team at KATH, Dr. Priscilla Abrafi Asafo Adjei, disclosed that the hospital records between four and six new stroke cases daily, translating into over 1,000 cases annually. “Stroke cases have been rising at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Our data indicates that four to six cases are recorded every day and over a thousand cases are recorded yearly,” she stated. Dr. Asafo Adjei expressed worry that the majority of the cases involve young adults, a development she described as disturbing. “The worrying issue is that the affected people are mostly young, aged between 20 and 40 years,” she said. She attributed the rising cases to both medical and lifestyle-related risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, stress and lack of physical activity. Dr. Asafo Adjei also noted that non-adherence to medication among persons diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes is a major contributing factor. “Most of the stroke patients we see failed to take their medications seriously as prescribed. We advise them to adhere to their treatment regimen,” she added. The Amansie West District Director of Health, Dr. Bernard Bediako, said the screening exercise…