Greater incidence of both fatal and nonfatal strokes in disadvantaged areas: The Northeast Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Greater stroke mortality has been reported among lower socioeconomic groups. We aimed to determine whether fatal, nonfatal, and overall stroke incidence varied by socioeconomic status. Methods - All suspected strokes occurring in 22 postcodes (population of 306 631) of Melbourne, Australia, during a 24-month period between 1997 and 1999 were found and assessed. Multiple overlapping sources were used to ascertain cases with standard clinical definitions for stroke. Socioeconomic disadvantage was assigned in 4 bands from least to greatest using an area-based measure developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Results - Overall stroke incidence (number per 100 000..