Prevalence of self reported stroke in a population in northern England.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stroke survivors in a health district population aged 55 years and over.


METHODS
This was a point prevalence study using two-stage postal questionnaires sent to an age stratified random sample of the population.


METHODS
A district health authority in northern England with a resident population of 723,000.


METHODS
Altogether 18,827 residents aged 55 years or over.


RESULTS
Prevalence was found to increase with age and, apart from the very elderly, males had a higher prevalence than females. Overall prevalence was found to be 46.8/1,000 (95% CI 42.5, 51.6). 23% of respondents reported full recovery from stroke. Cognitive impairments (33%), problems with lower limbs (33% for right leg; 27% for left leg) and speech difficulties (27%) were the most common residual impairments.


CONCLUSIONS
Current guidelines to purchasers on the provision of services to those who have had a stroke may under-estimate prevalence rates by as much as 50%. This could lead to a shortfall in provision of services designed to support people in the months and years following their stroke.
Geddes
J M
JM
Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds.
Fear
J
J
Tennant
A
A
Pickering
A
A
Hillman
M
M
Chamberlain
M A
MA
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012650:Self Disclosure; D017678:Sex Distribution