Identification of Barriers to Stroke Awareness and Risk Factor Management Unique to Hispanics

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Risk factor control is crucial for stroke prevention.
• Racial and ethnic disparities may influence stroke risk factor management.
• Understanding unique barriers in minority populations is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to stroke awareness and risk factor management specific to Hispanic individuals compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHWs).

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving stroke patients and general community members in Arizona.
• Utilized Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale, stroke barriers questionnaire, and Stroke Awareness Test.
• Compared Hispanic and NHW participants on stroke awareness, perceived health control, and reported barriers.

Main Results:

• Hispanic stroke patients demonstrated lower stroke awareness (72.5% vs. 79.1%) and reported greater barriers in medical knowledge, medication adherence, and healthcare access compared to NHWs.
• Hispanics scored higher on the 'powerful others' sub-scale of the MHLC, indicating a perception of less personal control over health.
• General community surveys revealed lower stroke awareness among Hispanics compared to NHWs.

Conclusions:

• Hispanic stroke patients experience significant barriers to stroke risk factor control, including lower stroke literacy and perceived external locus of control.
• Interventions must address racial/ethnic differences in stroke awareness and healthcare access to improve stroke prevention and education in the Hispanic population.