Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. Limited information is available, in South Africa, on the epidemiological profile of stroke survivors requiring rehabilitation. A descriptive study was therefore undertaken to compile, amongst others the demographic and medical profile of stroke patients attending rehabilitation at a primary health care facility (Bishop Lavis Rehabilitation Centre). Both medical- and rehabilitation records were reviewed to ensure completeness of information and to minimize missing clinical data bias. Relevant data was captured on a data capture sheet. The latter was based on key findings from the literature and developed by the researcher. The mean age of the population of stroke patients studied was 59 years, which is markedly younger than what has been reported globally in the literature. As was expected, hypertension was found to be the most prevalent risk factor. The presence of a combination of risk factors in the majority of the group (on average, 2.4 risk factors per person) warrants the introduction of aggressive health education and stroke prevention programmes at this primary health care centre.
Highlights
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in most societies (Duncan 1994; Bonita 1992)
Marital Status Fifty six percent (56% or 93/166) of the subjects were living with a partner, the majority cohabiting in a formal traditional marital relationship
Educational programmes that inform communities about the risk factors as well as the signs and symptoms of stroke are strongly recommended. (Hale et al 1998, Kothari et al 1997, Helgason et al 1997, Steyn 1995)
Summary
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in most societies (Duncan 1994; Bonita 1992). A stroke or cerebrovascular accident is defined as “rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function, with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer or leading to death with no apparent cause other than of vascular origin” (WHO 1989). As in many other developing countries, South Africa has adopted a primary health care approach as the most appropriate strategy to meet its health care needs (Department of Health, 1995). As described at Alma Ata by the World Health Organization, is “ essential health care made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, through their full participation and at a cost the community and the country can afford” (World Health Organization 1978). A district health system, based on the principles of primary health care, is envisaged to ensure the effective delivery
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