Stroke risk factors in couples. A population-based study in community-dwelling adults living in a remote rural setting (the Atahualpa Project)

Purpose: By the use of a population-based design, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of similar stroke risk factors in couples living in a remote rural setting (Atahualpa). Methods: Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years were identified by means of door-to-door surveys, and those who signed a comprehensive consent form were enrolled in the Atahualpa Project. Baselines interviews and procedures, aimed to assess stroke risk factors, were collected at the time of admission in all participants. Results: We identified 268 couples among 898 individuals aged ≥40 years enrolled in the Atahualpa Project. Traditional risk factors were defined according to the American Heart Association criteria. Generalized estimating equations, adjusted for age, showed that being married to a spouse with poor physical activity (p = 0.027) and a poor diet (p < 0.001) were associated with the presence of these risk factors in the other partner. Conclusions: Intervention strategies directed to couples are needed to improve poor healthy styles leading to stroke in underserved populations.