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Background: Contemporary data on stroke epidemiology and the availability of national stroke clinical registries are important for providing evidence to improve practice and support policy decisions. Aims: To update the most current incidence, case-fatality, and mortality rates on stroke and identify national stroke clinical registries worldwide. Methods: We searched multiple databases (based on our existing search strategy) to identify new original papers, published between 1 November 2018 and 15 December 2021, that met ideal criteria for data on stroke incidence and case-fatality, and added these to the studies reported in our last review. To identify national stroke clinical registries, we updated our last search, using PubMed, from 6 February 2015 until 6 January 2022. We also screened reference lists of review papers, citation history of papers, and the gray literature. Mortality codes for International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) for each country providing these data. Population denominators were obtained from the United Nations (UN) or WHO (when data were unavailable in the UN database). Crude and adjusted stroke mortality rates were calculated using country-specific population denominators, and the most recent years of mortality data available for each country. Results: Since our last report in 2020, there were two countries (Chile and France) with new incidence studies meeting criteria for ideal population-based studies. New data on case-fatality were found for Chile and Kenya. The most current mortality data were available for the year 2014 (1 country), 2015 (2 countries), 2016 (11 countries), 2017 (10 countries), 2018 (19 countries), 2019 (36 countries), and 2020 (29 countries). Four countries (Libya, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon) reported mortality data for the first time. Since our last report on registries in 2017, we identified seven more national stroke clinical registries, predominantly in high-income countries. These newly identified registries yielded limited information. Conclusions: Up-to-date data on stroke incidence, case-fatality, and mortality continue to provide evidence of disparities and the scale of burden in low- and middle-income countries. Although more national stroke clinical registries were identified, information from these newly identified registries was limited. Highlighting data scarcity or even where a country is ranked might help facilitate more research or greater policy attention in this field.

The stress of family caregiving may affect many health-related variables, including sleep. We evaluated differences in self-reported sleep quality between incident caregivers and matched non-caregiving controls from a national population-based study. Caregivers and controls were identified in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study and matched on seven different demographic and health history factors. Caregivers reported significantly longer sleep onset latency than controls, before and after adjusting for covariates (ps < .05). No differences were found on measures of total sleep time or sleep efficiency. Among caregivers only, employed persons reported less total sleep time and number of care hours was a significant predictor of total sleep time. Dementia caregivers did not differ from other caregivers. This is one of the few population-based studies of sleep quality in family caregivers. Additional research is needed to examine whether sleep disturbance contributes to greater health problems among caregivers.

The study objective was to investigate the effects of childhood residential mobility on older adult physical and mental health. In REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study, we used linear regression models to investigate if number of moves during childhood predicted mental and physical health (SF-12 MCS, PCS), adjusting for demographic covariates, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), childhood social support, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We investigated interaction by age, race, childhood SES, and ACEs. People who moved more during childhood had poorer MCS scores, β = −0.10, SE = 0.05, p = 0.03, and poorer PCS scores, β = −0.25, SE = 0.06, p < 0.0001. Effects of moves on PCS were worse for Black people compared to White people ( p = 0.06), those with low childhood SES compared to high childhood SES ( p = 0.02), and high ACEs compared to low ACEs ( p = 0.01). As family instability accompanying residential mobility, family poverty, and adversity disproportionately affect health, Black people may be especially disadvantaged.

The tridecapeptide neurotensin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. Its stable precursor, pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NMN), has been associated with composite cardiovascular outcomes including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The exclusive association of pro-NT/NMN with ischemic stroke has not been evaluated. We conducted a prospective case-cohort study in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. From 2003 to 2007, REGARDS enrolled 30,239 white or black adults aged ⩾ 45 years. Baseline fasting pro-NT/NMN was measured by immunoassay in the analytic sample including 448 incident ischemic stroke cases and 818 random cohort sample participants. A total of 464 ischemic strokes occurred. Risk of stroke was assessed with a Cox proportional-hazards model incorporating demographic covariates and a second adding stroke risk factors. Increased pro-NT/NMN was associated with ischemic stroke in the demographic model overall (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD) pro-NT/NMN 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.33) and in men (HR per SD pro-NT/NMN 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.50); HRs were attenuated in the risk factor model. Pre-existing diabetes mellitus and CHD were the largest confounders of ischemic stroke risk, each accounting for an estimated 19% of the association of pro-NT/NMN with ischemic stroke observed in the demographic model. There were no significant interactions of race or sex with pro-NT/NMN. Further research on associations of pro-NT/NMN with stroke risk factors such as diabetes mellitus is indicated.

Objectives:We aimed to compare incident family caregivers and matched controls on change in social network variables and satisfaction with social activities. Methods: A total of 479 participants from the Caregiving Transitions Study were included in the analysis, 244 (50.9%) of whom began substantial and sustained caregiving between baseline and follow-up interviews. We assessed associations between incident caregiving and change in social network size, change in monthly social contact, and satisfaction with social activities. Results: Incident caregivers reported lower satisfaction with social activities and greater decline in social network size than controls. Among only the caregivers, dementia caregivers reported greater decline in social network size while caregivers who were spouses, experienced higher strain, and provided more hours of care reported lower satisfaction with social activities. Discussion: Social engagement declined more among incident caregivers than controls. Future studies should aim to understand why subgroups of caregivers reported lower social engagement.

Background Data on stroke epidemiology and availability of hospital-based stroke services around the world are important for guiding policy decisions and healthcare planning. Aims To provide the most current incidence, mortality and case–fatality data on stroke and describe current availability of stroke units around the world by country. Methods We searched multiple databases (based on our existing search strategy) to identify new original manuscripts and review articles published between 1 June 2016 and 31 October 2018 that met the ideal criteria for data on stroke incidence and case–fatality. For data on the availability of hospital-based stroke services, we searched PubMed for all literature published up until 31 June 2018. We further screened reference lists, citation history of manuscripts and gray literature for this information. Mortality codes for International Classification of Diseases-9 and International Classification of Diseases-10 were extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database for each country providing these data. Population denominators were obtained from the World Health Organization, and when these were unavailable within a two-year period of mortality data, population denominators within a two-year period were obtained from the United Nations. Using country-specific population denominators and the most recent years of mortality data available for each country, we calculated both the crude mortality from stroke and mortality adjusted to the World Health Organization world population. Results Since our last report in 2017, there were two countries with new incidence studies, China ( n = 1) and India ( n = 2) that met the ideal criteria. New data on case–fatality were found for Estonia and India. The most current mortality data were available for the year 2015 (39 countries), 2016 (43 countries), and 2017 (7 countries). No new data on mortality were available for six countries. Availability of stroke units was noted for 63 countries, and the proportion of patients treated in stroke units was reported for 35/63 countries. Conclusion Up-to-date data on stroke incidence, case–fatality, and mortality statistics provide evidence of variation among countries and changing magnitudes of burden among high and low–middle income countries. Reporting of hospital-based stroke units remains limited and should be encouraged.

Observational epidemiological studies have the dual goals of measuring disease burden and assessing the association between exposures and outcomes. This report focuses on the first of these goals and provides an overview of design considerations of commonly used approaches, specifically community surveillance studies, cross-sectional studies, and longitudinal cohort studies. Each of these designs has strengths and weaknesses, with no study design being superior in all cases. Rather, these designs are complementary to achieve a better understanding of the burden of stroke.

Background Current information on mortality attributed to stroke among different countries is important for policy development and monitoring prevention strategies. Unfortunately, mortality data reported to the World Health Organization by different countries are inconsistent. Aims and/or hypothesis To update the repository of the most recent country-specific data on mortality from stroke for countries that provide data using a broad code for “cerebrovascular disease.” Methods Data on mortality from stroke were obtained from the World Health Organization mortality database. We searched for countries that provided data, since 1999, on a combined category of “cerebrovascular disease” (code 1609) that incorporated International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) codes I60–I69. Using population denominators provided by the World Health Organization for the same year when available, or alternatively estimates obtained from the United Nations, we calculated crude mortality from “cerebrovascular disease” and mortality adjusted to the World Health Organization world population. We used the most recent year reported to the World Health Organization, as well as comparing changes over time. Results Since 1999, seven countries have provided these mortality data. Among these countries, crude mortality was greatest in the Russian Federation (in 2011), Ukraine (2012), and Belarus (2011) and was greater in women than men in these countries. Crude mortality was positively correlated with the proportion of the population aged ≥65 years but not with time. Age-adjusted mortality was greatest in the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan, and greater in men than women. Over time, mortality declined, with the greatest decline per annum evident in Kazakhstan (8.7%) and the Russian Federation (7.0%). Conclusions Among countries that provided data to the World Health Organization using a broad category of “cerebrovascular disease,” there was a decline in mortality in two of the countries that previously had some of the largest mortality rates for stroke.

Background Up to date data on incidence, mortality, and case-fatality for stroke are important for setting the agenda for prevention and healthcare. Aims and/or hypothesis We aim to update the most current incidence and mortality data on stroke available by country, and to expand the scope to case-fatality and explore how registry data might be complementary. Methods Data were compiled using two approaches: (1) an updated literature review building from our previous review and (2) direct acquisition and analysis of stroke events in the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database for each country providing these data. To assess new and/or updated data on incidence, we searched multiple databases to identify new original papers and review articles that met ideal criteria for stroke incidence studies and were published between 15 May 2013 and 31 May 2016. For data on case-fatality, we searched between 1980 and 31 May 2016. We further screened reference lists and citation history of papers to identify other studies not obtained from these sources. Mortality codes for ICD-8, ICD-9, and ICD-10 were extracted. Using population denominators provided for each country, we calculated both the crude mortality from stroke and mortality adjusted to the WHO world population. We used only the most recent year reported to the WHO for which both population and mortality data were available. Results Fifty-one countries had data on stroke incidence, some with data over many time periods, and some with data in more than one region. Since our last review, there were new incidence studies from 12 countries, with four meeting pre-determined quality criteria. In these four studies, the incidence of stroke, adjusted to the WHO World standard population, ranged from 76 per 100,000 population per year in Australia (2009–10) up to 119 per 100,000 population per year in New Zealand (2011–12), with the latter being in those aged at least 15 years. Only in Martinique (2011–12) was the incidence of stroke greater in women than men. In countries either lacking or with old data on stroke incidence, eight had national clinical registries of hospital based data. Of the 128 countries reporting mortality data to the WHO, crude mortality was greatest in Kazhakstan (in 2003), Bulgaria, and Greece. Crude mortality and crude incidence of stroke were both positively correlated with the proportion of the population aged ≥ 65 years, but not with time. Data on case-fatality were available in 42 studies in 22 countries, with large variations between regions. Conclusions In this updated review, we describe the current data on stroke incidence, case-fatality and mortality in different countries, and highlight the growing trend for national clinical registries to provide estimates in lieu of community-based incidence studies.

Background Black individuals are at greater risk of stroke and vitamin D deficiency than white individuals. Epidemiologic studies have shown that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are associated with increased risk of stroke, but these studies had limited representation of black individuals. Methods We examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with incident stroke in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a cohort of black and white adults ≥45 years of age. Using a case–cohort study design, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured in 610 participants who developed incident stroke (cases) and in 937 stroke-free individuals from a stratified cohort random sample of REGARDS participants (comparison cohort). Results In multivariable models adjusted for socio-demographic factors, co-morbidities and laboratory values including parathyroid hormone, lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were associated with higher risk of stroke (25-hydroxyvitamin D >30 ng/mL reference; 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations 20–30 ng/mL, hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.89,1.96; 25-hydroxyvitamin D interaction = 0.82). The associations were qualitatively unchanged when restricted to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke subtypes or when using race-specific cut-offs for 25-hydroxyvitamin D categories. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for incident stroke and the strength of this association does not appear to differ by race.

Background: With patients living a decade or longer post-procedure, long-term data are needed to assess the durability of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy. Identifying characteristics of those consenting or declining to continue in long-term follow-up may suggest strategies to improve retention in clinical trials. Purpose: This report describes differences between patients choosing or declining to continue follow-up for up to 10 years in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial. Methods: Following completion of the primary outcome, patients who were in active Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial follow-up were asked to continue beyond their original 4-year commitment for a maximum of 10 years. The characteristics of those who consented were compared with those who declined. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis, and backwards stepwise logistic regression (the most parsimonious model) was used to determine the factors associated with continuation. Results: Of the 1921 active Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial participants for whom consent to extend follow-up was requested, 1695 (88%; mean age: 68.4) consented; 226 (12%; mean age: 69.6) declined. Of those who did not consent versus those who consented, 66% versus 48% were symptomatic at baseline (p Conclusion: Symptomatic status, increasing age, randomized at lower volume centers, and longer time in follow-up were associated with reduced odds of consenting to long-term follow-up. Identifying factors associated with reduced willingness to extend participation long-term can suggest targeted strategies to improve retention in future clinical trials.