Stroke Epidemiology in Oceania: A Review

<b><i>Background and Purpose:</i></b> Oceania, comprising the regions Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, is home to 42 million living in 8.5 square kilometres of land. This paper comprises a review epidemiology stroke countries this region. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Information on Oceania was sought from data Global Burden Disease (GBD) study (incidence, mortality, incidence:mortality ratio [IMR], prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years [DALYs] lost due stroke, subtypes), World Health Organization (WHO) (vascular risk factors community), PubMed subtypes). Data were analyzed by region allow inter-country comparison within each <b><i>Results:</i></b> In 2010, age- sex-standardized mortality rates lowest Australasia (29.85–31.67/100,000) highest Melanesia Micronesia (56.04–187.56/100,000), with wide ranges especially Melanesia. Incidence (101.36–105.54/100,000), similarly high elsewhere. Standardized IMR (0.98–3.39) inverse mirrored prevalence (202.91–522.29/100,000). DALY (398.22–3,781.78/100,0000) rates. Stroke show variable pattern – hypertension generally most common medical factor among males (18.0–26.6%), while females, diabetes mellitus Polynesia (21.5–28.4%). Among lifestyle factors, current smoking males, obesity females. Ischaemic 70% subtypes. Trend significant falls standardized DALYs incidence almost all countries. There economic impact, particularly young strokes; some ethnicities are at higher than others, for example, Maoris Pacific Islanders. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> major healthcare problem Oceania. Variations found between lacking some; more research into burden needed. With expected increase life expectancy vascular will likely rise. Some disparities may be addressed great investment healthcare.