Housing and Stroke Outcomes: Why Aging in Place Needs to Be Equitable

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research
• Stroke Outcomes Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on housing conditions' impact on post-stroke outcomes, especially in minority neighborhoods.
• Minority neighborhoods often experience greater housing disparities compared to non-Hispanic White neighborhoods.
• Data combining residential conditions and post-stroke outcomes in diverse communities is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if neighborhood housing values mediate the association between neighborhood ethnic composition and post-stroke outcomes.
• To explore housing conditions as a factor in stroke recovery within a bi-ethnic community.

Main Methods:

• Utilized linear regression models to assess associations.
• Included 782 ischemic stroke cases across 78 neighborhoods in Nueces County, Texas.
• Adjusted for socio-demographics, pre-stroke factors, and stroke severity.

Main Results:

• A higher percentage of Hispanic residents (%Hispanic) was linked to worse post-stroke outcomes.
• %Hispanic neighborhoods were also associated with lower housing values.
• Increased housing values did not alter the relationship between %Hispanic and post-stroke outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Neighborhood ethnic composition is associated with post-stroke outcomes, independent of housing values in this study.
• Further research should incorporate individual-level housing data and modification capacity for a comprehensive understanding of stroke recovery.