Does national expenditure on research and development influence stroke outcomes?. Issue 8 (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Young Dae; Jung, Yo Han; Norrving, Bo; Ovbiagele, Bruce; Saposnik, Gustavo
• Is Part Of: International journal of stroke. Volume 12:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 827
• Page End: 834
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Ischemic stroke -- outcome -- epidemiology -- research and development; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1177/1747493017702667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4930

Abstract

Background: Expenditure on research and development is a macroeconomic indicator representative of national investment. International organizations use this indicator to compare international research and development activities. Aim: We investigated whether differences in expenditures on research and development at the country level may influence the incidence of stroke and stroke mortality. Methods: We compared stroke metrics with absolute amount of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) per-capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (aGERD) and relative amount of GERD as percent of gross domestic product (rGERD). Sources included official data from the UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and population-based studies. We used correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression modeling. Results: Overall, data on stroke mortality rate and GERD were available from 66 countries for two periods (2002 and 2008). Age-standardized stroke mortality rate was associated with aGERD (r = −0.708 in 2002 and r = −0.730 in 2008) or rGERD (r = −0.545 in 2002 and r = −0.657 in 2008) (all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed a lower aGERD and rGERD were independently and inversely associated with higher stroke mortality (all p < 0.05). The estimated prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, or obesity was higher in countries with lower aGERD. The analysis of 27 population-based studies showed consistent inverse associations between aGERD or rGERD and incident risk of stroke and 30-day case fatality. Conclusions: There is higher stroke mortality among countries with lower expenditures in research and development. While this study does not prove causality, it suggests a potential area to focus efforts to improve global stroke outcomes.