Increasing Stroke Knowledge and Decreasing Stroke Risk in a Latino Immigrant Population

Stroke knowledge is poor and stroke risk is growing for the U.S. Latino immigrant population. We present results of an evaluation of a tailored, community-based intervention in Durham, North Carolina. The intervention included integration of stroke knowledge into classes and workshops at a community-based organization. Knowledge surveys were administered to participants immediately before and after stroke education, and at multiple points over the following year. For both low-risk participants receiving classroom-based education and individually care managed participants with risk factors, stroke knowledge improved dramatically and remained high among those who could be reached for follow-up. Evidence of behavior change and change in clinical status was weak. These findings from an observational study conducted in a real-world context complement the results of previously reported efficacy studies, indicating potential gains from health education for Latino immigrants, even from classroom-based education for low-risk individuals.