Abstract:
Cerebrovascular disease (stroke) is the third leading cause
of death in New Zealand and an important cause of chronic
disability. An analysis of routinely available national
mortality data indicates that death rates have declined
significantly since the 1950s and an acceleration of the
rate of decline has occurred during the past decade.
Reasons for the decline are unknown, although the most
probable explanation is a decline in incidence rather than
an improvement in case fatality rates. National data
however provides little information about the total impact
of the disease on a defined population.
The Auckland Stroke study was developed to measure the
incidence and natural history of the disease, to document
the patterns of management, and to describe the range and
duration of health services directed at those who survive
the acute phase. An innovative sampling method was used to
identify a 50% representative sample of all new stroke
episodes (WHO criteria) occurring in residents of the
Auckland region (total population 829,545) in a one year
period; structured interviews were carried out at intervals
throughout the year following the onset of the stroke.