A comparison of stroke risk factors between men and women with disabilities

There are many adults with disabilities currently in the United States, yet little is known about how gender differences affect stroke risk factors in this population. This article presents a descriptive study that was designed to determine whether males and females living with disabilities differ in self-reported rates of stroke risk factors. Data were collected at conferences and meetings targeted for people living with disabilities. There were 146 participants; 54% were female; and the mean age was 58 years. The primary instrument was the Stroke Risk Screening tool. Stroke risk factors that differed significantly by gender include the incidence of hypertension (48% of men versus 32% of women), current smoking (30% men versus 4% women), history of heart disease (13% men versus 1% women), daily consumption of alcohol (10% men versus 1% women), and use of illicit drugs (10% men versus 0% women). Rehabilitation nurses should focus on earlier assessment of stroke risk factors and appropriate interventions, especially with men living with disabilities.