OBJECTIVE: To evaluate continuity of care (CoC) and social capital in stroke patients under rehabilitation in the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). METHODS: Cross sectional study in three IMSS hospitals in Mexico City. Inclusion criteria were: stroke adult patients surviving a first ischaemic event, consent to participate in the study and capable to answer questions in an interview. No instruments to measure CoC and social capital in stroke patients were identified in our previous literature review. Three instruments to measure CoC were used: Mexican one (Constantino), from United States (Chao) and from Canada (Salmoni). The first one is being validated and the other two have been used and validated in general practice and chronic patients discharged from hospital to community, respectively. RESULTS: Forty stroke patients were interviewed, mean age was 68 years, education of 7 years and 87.5% had some chronic illness (hypertension 58.3%). Sixty seven percent informed that they were receiving formal rehabilitation and that in 88.2% it met their needs and expectancies. The Mexican instrument (scale from 1 to10) found a mean score for patient perception of CoC of 7.1 and from carer/relative 8.1. Patients said they trusted their doctor in 83.3% (Chao instrument). Opinion in relation to hospital care quality was: poor in 16.8%, regular in 12.5% and good/very good in 50% (Salmoni instrument). About social capital: 91.6% trusted public institutions in their community and in people living in the neighbourhood in 54.2%. Patients received help to attend medical facilities in 4.2% from the neighbour, 4.2% from a friend; patients helped the neighbour in 16.7% and a friend in 54.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Most of stroke patients interviewed were satisfied with the quality of rehabilitation provided by the IMSS. CoC score from patient and carer was acceptable and similar. Social capital level was also good.