Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-06, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Young-onset stroke in the UAE: A single-centre retrospective analysis of risk factors and outcomes
Original authors: Sobia Siddiq, Saryia Adra, Kamel A Samara, Batool Aldaher, Mohamad Emad Aldeen Mahfouz, Nour Sakan, Fathima Musfira, Roomiyah Riyaz Assadi, Ahlam Mohamed Almarzooqi, Hiba Jawdat Barqawi, Eman Abu-Gharbieh
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0355300
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Young-onset stroke represents a growing public health concern, yet data from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain limited. This study aimed to examine the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with young-onset stroke in the UAE.
A retrospective chart review was conducted on 419 patients aged below 50 years who were admitted at Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, UAE, with a diagnosis of stroke between 2016 and 2022. Data on demographics, comorbidities, stroke subtype, management, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using Python-based statistical libraries.
The study population comprised predominantly of male individuals (78.28%), with most patients originating from South Asia (63.96%) and the Middle East and North Africa region (19.33%). Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype (50.12%), followed by intracerebral hemorrhage (27.21%) and non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (22.67%). Hypertension (45.45%) and diabetes mellitus (24.42%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Only 0.24% of patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and 9.41% received intravenous thrombolysis. The overall mortality rate was 12.68%, with coronary artery disease significantly associated with death (p < 0.001). South Asian patients were 2.19 times more likely to have large-artery atherosclerosis compared to non–South Asians (95% CI: 1.11–4.30, p = 0.02).
Young-onset stroke in the UAE is characterized by a high burden of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Targeted preventive strategies and region-specific research are essential to reduce disease burden and improve patient outcomes.
Introduction
Despite rapid advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke it remains the second leading cause of death and disability globally [1]. In 2019, approximately 12.2 million new stroke cases were reported worldwide marking a 70% increase since 1990 [1]. This surge was accompanied by an 85% increase in stroke prevalence during the same period [1]. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, over 800,000 new stroke cases were recorded in 2019 with a prevalence of approximately 7.7 million cases [1]. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the highest age-standardized stroke point prevalence in the MENA region in 2019 [2].
While the rising stroke burden affects all demographics, young-onset stroke (defined as stroke occurring in individuals younger than 50 years of age [3]) particularly leads to profound socioeconomic consequences as it often disables individuals during their most productive years [4]. The underlying pathophysiology of young-onset stroke is not as well-established as stroke in older adults. Traditional risk factors such as undiagnosed thrombophilia, autoimmune diseases, patent foramen ovale, and arterial dissections are implicated in young-onset strokes [5]. However, young adults are also affected by factors such as smoking, oral contraceptive use, migraines with aura, trauma, illicit drug use, and pregnancy-related conditions [3]. These factors play a more significant role in younger populations compared to their older counterparts. Additionally, it is postulated that young-onset stroke is largely due to the increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as obesity and diabetes mellitus [6].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Sobia Siddiq, Saryia Adra, Kamel A Samara, Batool Aldaher, Mohamad Emad Aldeen Mahfouz, Nour Sakan, Fathima Musfira, Roomiyah Riyaz Assadi, Ahlam Mohamed Almarzooqi, Hiba Jawdat Barqawi, Eman Abu-Gharbieh. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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