Inequalities in the transition of cerebrovascular disease mortality in New South Wales, Australia 1969-1996

With reference to epidemiological transition theory, this paper examines change in cerebrovascular disease mortality in Australia's most populous state in the 28 year period, 1969-1996. The hypotheses were that in the context of overall stroke mortality decline over the period, marital status, occupational status and spatial differences decreased. However, while overall mortality declined, differentials increased. The reasons for this are considered, with particular implications for epidemiological transition theory and for the targeting of populations at risk in policy terms. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.