Physical and psychosocial consequences of stroke in elderly Mexican Americans.
OBJECTIVE
The current study examines the psychosocial and physical predictors and consequences of stroke among elderly non-institutionalized Mexican Americans.


METHODS
A cross-sectional cohort study design was used.


METHODS
The sampling frame included the Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas) where subjects were interviewed in their homes.


METHODS
A probability sample consisted of 3,050 Mexican Americans aged 65 or older.


METHODS
The main outcome measure was self-report of being diagnosed by a physician as having a stroke that required hospitalization.


RESULTS
Those who ever had a stroke (N=159) were less likely to be able to perform activities of daily living than persons who never had a stroke (N=2,869). Rates of disability and prevalence of stroke appear to be higher in elderly Mexican Americans than in the general elderly population. Greater education and language acculturation were risk factors for having a stroke.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding that Mexican Americans who are less acculturated are more healthy suggests that acculturation may increase morbidity and, potentially, mortality from stroke.
Ontiveros
J
J
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555-1153, USA.
Miller
T Q
TQ
Markides
K S
KS
Espino
D V
DV
D000069:Acculturation; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D017058:Mexican Americans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors