Hispanic Secondary Stroke Prevention Initiative Design: Study Protocol and Rationale for a Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hispanic-Latino populations experience a higher stroke burden and poorer risk factor control.
• Community health workers (CHWs) are a promising strategy for improving chronic health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a CHW intervention for Latino patients at risk of recurrent stroke.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial (HiSSPI) involving 300 Latino participants in South Florida with a history of stroke.
• Intervention arm received CHW support including health education, healthcare navigation, social services, and daily mHealth text messages.
• Primary outcome: change in systolic blood pressure at 12 months. Secondary outcomes: changes in LDL, HbA1c, and medication adherence.

Main Results:

• Enrollment occurred from 2015-2018; results publication is anticipated in 2020.

Conclusions:

• The HiSSPI trial is among the first RCTs to assess CHW-facilitated secondary stroke prevention.
• This study will provide robust evidence on CHW impact on secondary stroke risk factors in Latino stroke survivors.