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


Kathleen Kahn
Stephen M Tollman

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.


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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574