Objectives: This study investigated stroke differentials by socioeconomic position in adulthood.
Methods: The relation of risk of stroke to deprivation category and social class was assessed among 6955 men and 7992 women who were aged 45 to 64 years and had been screened in 1972 to 1976.
Results: A total of 594 men and 677 women had a hospital admission for stroke or died from stroke. There were large differences in stroke by deprivation category or social class. Adjustment for risk factors (smoking, blood pressure, height, respiratory function, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetes, and preexisting heart disease) attenuated these differences.
Conclusions: Risk factors for stroke can explain some of the socioeconomic differences in stroke risk. Women living in the most deprived areas seem particularly at risk of stroke.