AGE AND GENDER STRUCTURE OF STROKE INCIDENCE IN THE CITY OF ANDIJAN: ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Understanding regional age and gender characteristics of stroke incidence is essential for optimizing prevention and healthcare planning. Objective: To analyze the dynamics and age–gender structure of stroke incidence in the city of Andijan based on a three-year retrospective study (2023–2025). Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological analysis included 6,842 cases of first-ever stroke registered in Andijan from 2023 to 2025. Diagnoses were verified clinically and by neuroimaging (CT/MRI). Incidence rates per 100,000 population, age- and sex-specific distribution, and the proportion of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were assessed. Stroke severity was evaluated using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.26.0 with linear trend and correlation analysis; differences were considered significant at p