Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Incidence and Outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• Stroke incidence rates in the U.S. are plateauing or declining.
• However, demographic shifts, including an aging population and increasing racial/ethnic diversity, are exacerbating healthcare disparities in stroke.
• Persistent disparities in stroke prevalence and outcomes among diverse racial and ethnic groups require updated analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review updated data and trends on racial and ethnic disparities in stroke.
• To examine disparities in stroke incidence, mortality, and functional/cognitive outcomes.
• To understand the influence of social determinants of health on these disparities.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent epidemiological data on stroke incidence and outcomes.
• Analysis of trends in stroke mortality across racial and ethnic groups.
• Examination of the role of social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, education, and healthcare access.

Main Results:

• Black Americans face higher stroke risk, poorer outcomes, and greater challenges in self-care and mobility.
• Hispanic Americans exhibit stroke disparities that vary regionally and by subgroup, with some populations showing narrowing incidence gaps but persistent outcome deficits.
• Stroke mortality differences exist and are influenced by stroke type and long-term survival, particularly for Black Americans.

Conclusions:

• Racial and ethnic disparities are evident across stroke incidence, mortality, and functional/cognitive outcomes.
• Social determinants of health significantly modify these disparities.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate the role of social determinants in driving or worsening racial and ethnic stroke disparities.