Open AccessThe epidemiology of stroke in Africa: A systematic review of existing methods and new approaches
Author(s) -
Owolabi Mayowa,
Olowoyo Paul,
Popoola Femi,
Lackland Daniel,
Jenkins Carolyn,
Arulogun Oyedunni,
Akinyemi Rufus,
Akinyemi Odunayo,
Akpa Onoja,
Olaniyan Olanrewaju,
Uvere Ezinne,
Kehinde Issa,
Selassie Anbesaw,
Gebregziabher Mulugeta,
Tagge Raelle,
Ovbiagele Bruce
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the journal of clinical hypertension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1751-7176
pISSN - 1524-6175
DOI - 10.1111/jch.13152
Subject(s) - epidemiology , medicine , stroke (engine) , psychological intervention , incidence (geometry) , medline , gold standard (test) , epidemiological method , case fatality rate , environmental health , pathology , nursing , mechanical engineering , physics , optics , political science , law , engineering
Accurate epidemiological surveillance of the burden of stroke is direly needed to facilitate the development and evaluation of effective interventions in Africa. The authors therefore conducted a systematic review of the methodology of stroke epidemiological studies conducted in Africa from 1970 to 2017 using gold standard criteria obtained from landmark epidemiological publications. Of 1330 articles extracted, only 50 articles were eligible for review grouped under incidence, prevalence, case‐fatality, health‐related quality of life, and disability‐adjusted life‐years studies. Because of various challenges, no study fulfilled the criteria for an excellent stroke incidence study. The relatively few stroke epidemiology studies in Africa have significant methodological flaws. Innovative approaches leveraging available information and communication technology infrastructure are recommended to facilitate rigorous epidemiological studies for accurate stroke surveillance in Africa.