Racial Differentials in the Prevalence of Stroke

Separate surveys of households and chronic-care facilities were conducted in Copiah County, Mississippi. The household survey included screening interviews and a complete census. Board-certified neurologists, using defined diagnostic criteria, examined all consenting persons who were either eligible residents of the chronic-care facilities or household members with interview responses suggestive of stroke. In all, 250 stroke survivors were identified, yielding (as of Jan 1, 1978) a point prevalence ratio of 1,060 per 100,000 inhabitants. Age-adjusted prevalence ratios were higher for men and for blacks. Age-specific prevalence ratios increased with advancing age. Nearly 20% of identified stroke survivors had not received inpatient care for that condition.