Stroke prevention: awareness of risk factors for stroke among African American residents in the Mississippi delta region.
BACKGROUND
Compared to whites, African Americans have almost a 2-fold increased risk of first-ever stroke. Our study sought to determine awareness of stroke risk factors and management, symptoms, and risk reduction strategies in African Americans in Mississippi, which is part of the "stroke belt.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of African Americans aged 18 to 74. We collected information on awareness, sources of information, stroke risk behavior, diabetes, and hypertension prevalence: and risk reduction relating to nonsmoking, exercise, and knowledge about ideal targets of blood pressure, body mass index, total blood cholesterol, and blood sugar.


RESULTS
The percentage of respondents who identified 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 warning signs were 21.8%, 11.7%, 15.4%, 10.1%, and 23.9%, respectively; and 17% could not identify any sign. The most factors identified were sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, and trouble speaking. Lifestyle factors and their role in stroke were not known to respondents. Specifically, 52.7%, 56.4%, 53.2%, 38.3%, and 28.7% failed to mention lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol, respectively, as factors that can contribute to stroke.


CONCLUSIONS
There is need to improve knowledge of stroke, risk reduction, and appropriate stroke response. Family, friends, and African Americans churches should be utilized to deliver stroke and other health information.
Sallar
Anthony M
AM
School of Public Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA. sallar@ohio.edu
Williams
P Bassey
PB
Omishakin
Ademola M
AM
Lloyd
Debra Patton
DP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008922:Mississippi; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult