Final answer:
The higher incidence of stroke in low-income and middle-income countries is due to a combination of higher prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The higher incidence rate of stroke in low-income and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries can be attributed to several factors. In these countries, the prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking is typically higher.
Limited access to quality healthcare and lower quality of healthcare services mean that preventive measures, treatments, and management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes—which are significant risk factors for stroke—are not as readily available or effective.
Additionally, the scarcity of medical personnel and inadequate infrastructure such as water and sewer systems contribute to the increased stroke risk. With healthcare costs not being the primary concern, the focus is often on managing more immediate health problems.