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Stroke in rural South Africa--contributing to the little known about a big problem
1Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Abstract
Objectives:
To describe the extent of mortality from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in a rural South African population.
Design:
Annual demographic and health surveillance with verbal autopsy of all deaths, 1992-1995.
Outcome Measures:
Stroke mortality rate by age and sex.
Results:
Stroke mortality increased with age and is higher in men than women over age 35. Proportionate mortality ratio from CVA: 10.3% of deaths in the 35-64-year age group.
Conclusion:
Cerebrovascular disease is an important cause of death in South Africa's rural north-east. Community-based research is needed to inform policy and practice.