Prevalence of Stroke and Stroke-Related Disability Estimates From the Auckland Stroke Studies

Background and Purpose To provide estimates of the prevalence of stroke and stroke-related disability for international comparisons and for planning purposes. Methods Estimates of prevalence were derived from two population-based studies conducted 10 years apart in Auckland, New Zealand. The first, carried out in 1981, included information on survival and stroke-related disability to 14 years after stroke, and the second, undertaken in 1991 to 1992, included this information up to 3 years after stroke. An actuarial model was developed that took into account changes in incidence, long-term survival, and population structure. Results Overall, it was estimated that 7491 people (3793 men and 3698 women) living in Auckland (total population 945 000) in 1991 had experienced a stroke at some stage in the past. This represents an age-standardized rate of 833 per 100 000 (991 per 100 000 in men and 706 per 100 000 in women) in the population aged 15 years and older. When only those who have made an incomplete reco...