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Racial/ethnic differences in stroke awareness among veterans
Charles Ellis1, Leonard E Egede
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Ethnicity & Disease
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Most veterans recognize some stroke symptoms, but few know all five warning signs or the correct action. Racial and ethnic minorities show lower stroke recognition and appropriate action rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neurology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
- Timely recognition of stroke symptoms and prompt action are crucial for effective treatment.
- Understanding awareness of stroke warning signs and appropriate responses is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial and ethnic disparities in stroke symptom recognition.
- To assess knowledge of the appropriate first action for stroke among diverse veteran populations.
- To identify potential gaps in stroke awareness across different demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 36,150 veterans in the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Assessment of recognition for five key stroke warning signs and the preferred first action.
- Use of multiple logistic regression to determine the impact of race/ethnicity on stroke knowledge, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- While most veterans recognized individual stroke warning signs, only 17% identified all five.
- Only 15% of respondents recognized all five warning signs and knew to call 911.
- Hispanics and 'Other' racial/ethnic groups were significantly less likely to recognize all stroke warning signs and the importance of calling 911 compared to Whites.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in comprehensive stroke symptom recognition and appropriate action among veterans.
- Racial and ethnic minority veterans demonstrate lower rates of stroke awareness and knowledge of emergency response.
- Public health strategies should target these disparities to improve stroke outcomes in vulnerable veteran populations.
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