Objectives: To describe the extent of mortality from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in a rural South African population.
Design: Annual demographic and health surveillance with verbal autopsy of all deaths, 1992-1995.
Outcome measures: Stroke mortality rate by age and sex.
Results: Stroke mortality increased with age and is higher in men than women over age 35. Proportionate mortality ratio from CVA: 10.3% of deaths in the 35-64-year age group.
Conclusion: Cerebrovascular disease is an important cause of death in South Africa's rural north-east. Community-based research is needed to inform policy and practice.