[Comparison between German and Turkish descent in ischemic stroke. Risk factors, initial findings, rehabilitative...

Until now no data has been available on possible specific features of the Turkish minority in Germany with respect to stroke.

We compared 20 Turkish stroke patients with matched German controls analyzing risk factors, findings at admission, rehabilitative treatments, and psychosocial aspects.

In the Turkish group the interval between onset of symptoms and admission was longer (532 min vs 255 min, P < 0.01). All other findings during acute treatment and rehabilitation were comparable. At follow-up after 22 months, the Barthel index was 90 for the Turks and 100 for the Germans. The Turkish patients reported more consultations with physicians than their German counterparts (68 vs 12 per year, P < 0.01). Scores for quality of life and outcome did not differ. The Turkish patients more frequently required care and had a higher degree of disability.

Turkish stroke patients have a longer time to admission. Risk factors, findings at admission, and treatment in the acute phase and rehabilitation are comparable. Several findings point towards a different health behavior. These results highlight the need for specific education of the Turkish population in Germany.