GENDER DIFFERENCES IN HYPERTENSION SEVERITY AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AMONG STROKE PATIENTS IN THE ICU OF RSUD JAILOLO, INDONESIA

PERBEDAAN GENDER DALAM TINGKAT KEPARAHAN HIPERTENSI DAN KARAKTERISTIK SOSIODEMOGRAFIS PADA PASIEN STROKE DI ICU RSUD JAILOLO, INDONESIA

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for stroke and is influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors. Understanding gender differences in hypertension severity is essential for improving targeted stroke management, particularly in intensive care settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 76 stroke patients admitted to the ICU of RSUD Jailolo, Indonesia, between July and August 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, employment status, medical history, and hypertension severity were extracted from medical records. Hypertension was classified into mild, moderate, and severe based on documented blood pressure at admission. Bivariate associations between gender and clinical–sociodemographic variables were examined using chi-square tests. Results: Of the 76 patients, 39 (51.3%) were men and 37 (48.7%) were women. Significant gender differences were found in hypertension severity (p = 0.022) and occupational status (p < 0.001). Men were more likely to present with severe hypertension, whereas women more commonly exhibited mild hypertension. Age distribution, educational level, medical history, and ICU length of stay did not differ significantly by gender. Conclusion: Gender differences in hypertension severity and occupational status were identified among stroke patients in the ICU. These findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive assessments and tailored hypertension management strategies to optimize stroke care in critical settings.