1: S Afr Med J. 1999 Jan;89(1):63-5.

Stroke in rural South Africa--contributing to the little known about a big problem.

Kahn K, Tollman SM.

Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

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.

PMID: 10070416