Sociodemographic Predictors of Neurological Outcomes and Quality of Life in Acute Stroke Patients: A Hospital-based Prospective Study from South India

Abstract Introduction: Stroke remains a major cause of death, disability, and reduced quality of life worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. In India, inequalities in income, occupation, education, and access to preventive care may influence stroke severity, time-to-presentation, recovery, and health-related quality of life; however, prospective hospital-based data addressing these factors remain limited.