The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has raised concerns over the increasing number of young people suffering from strokes, revealing that nearly half of its more than 1,000 annual stroke admissions involve patients below the age of 45.

The worrying development has renewed calls for increased public awareness, regular health screening and lifestyle changes to address the growing burden of stroke, particularly among Ghana’s economically active population.

Neurologist at KATH, Dr Priscilla Abrafi Asafo-Adjei, disclosed the figures while speaking during a free community health screening exercise at Antoakrom in the Manso Nkwanta Constituency in the Ashanti Region.

According to her, stroke is increasingly affecting younger individuals, challenging the long-held perception that the condition primarily affects older people.

She expressed concern that many of those affected are within the productive age group, including people who serve as breadwinners and support their families financially.

“What’s even alarming is that it’s affecting younger individuals. These are the productive workforce; they form the focus or are the breadwinners of the family. It’s very alarming, and we all have to put in measures to protect ourselves,” she said.

The more than 1,000 annual admissions recorded at KATH highlight the growing public health concern and the need for stronger preventive healthcare interventions.

Hypertension and diabetes increase stroke concerns among Ghanaian youth

The Amansie West District Health Director, Dr Bernard Badu Bediako, also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, particularly among younger residents.

He explained that hypertension has become one of the leading reasons for outpatient department (OPD) attendance in the district, accounting for between five and six per cent of cases.

Dr Bediako noted that high blood pressure, which was traditionally associated more with older adults, is increasingly being recorded among people in their twenties, thirties and forties.

He said the trend had made early screening and intervention necessary to prevent complications that could eventually result in strokes.

“We are realizing that the youth are also getting it. Those in their 20s, 30s and 40s are also recording high blood pressure. That is why we want to pick the cases early,” he stated.

According to him, the district health directorate is working to identify and manage hypertension and diabetes cases before they develop into more serious health conditions.

He added that suspected stroke cases are referred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further medical attention.

Unhealthy lifestyles contributing to rising hypertension cases

Dr Bediako identified unhealthy dietary habits and limited physical activity as some of the factors contributing to the increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes in the district.

He specifically mentioned excessive consumption of salt and sugar, fatty meals, sugary drinks and energy drinks, as well as inadequate physical exercise.

He observed that demanding work schedules also prevent many people from engaging in regular physical activities, increasing their exposure to lifestyle-related health conditions.

The District Health Director therefore encouraged residents to make healthier choices by reducing their intake of salt, fatty foods and sugary drinks while incorporating regular exercise into their daily routines.

He also emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups, particularly for individuals who may be living with undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes or abnormal cholesterol levels.

For people already diagnosed with hypertension, he advised strict adherence to prescribed medication and regular medical reviews to keep their blood pressure under control.

KATH intensifies community screening to prevent stroke

The health concerns were highlighted during a free community health screening exercise at Antoakrom, organised by the KATH multidisciplinary stroke team in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo.

The exercise was designed to identify residents with hypertension, diabetes and other conditions that increase the risk of stroke while promoting early diagnosis and preventive healthcare.

Residents from Antoakrom and surrounding communities benefited from the screening, which formed part of efforts to take healthcare services and public health education closer to communities.

Dr Bediako explained that the initiative was necessary because early detection and treatment could significantly improve health outcomes and prevent complications.

He further indicated that the district health directorate intends to intensify community-based screening and education through markets, churches and schools to identify people at risk before their conditions deteriorate.

The health professionals maintained that regular screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain critical to reducing stroke cases and their associated financial and social consequences.

Public urged to recognise stroke warning signs and seek immediate medical attention

Health professionals have urged the public, particularly young adults, to take stroke prevention seriously and pay attention to warning signs that may indicate the onset of the condition.

Some of the warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, and sudden severe headaches.

The public is encouraged to seek emergency medical attention immediately when these symptoms occur rather than waiting for them to disappear.

The annual World Stroke Day, observed on October 29, seeks to raise awareness about stroke prevention, early detection, treatment and support for survivors.

This year’s celebration was held under the theme, “Every Minute Counts – #ActFAST,” highlighting the importance of acting quickly when stroke symptoms appear.

With nearly half of KATH’s annual stroke admissions involving people below 45, health professionals say prevention must become a priority for individuals, families and communities.

The increasing number of cases among younger people also presents a wider concern for Ghana’s workforce, household incomes and national productivity, making early screening and healthier lifestyles essential in the fight against stroke.