Ethnic and racial differences of baseline stroke knowledge in a "stroke belt" community.
Acute stroke is often a treatable condition; however, intervention is time dependent and typically should ensue within 3 hr from onset of symptoms. The ability of individuals to understand stroke risk factors to reduce individual risk and to recognize warning signs and symptoms of stroke as signals to initiate medical care is paramount to decreasing stroke-related morbidity and mortality. This descriptive study presents ethnic and racial differences of baseline stroke knowledge among residents (n = 1,904) of two North Carolina counties situated in the Stroke Belt. Findings suggest a global stroke knowledge deficit that is more pronounced among Hispanics. Future community stroke education campaigns need to consider various educational mediums and outlets to ensure inclusion of persons at highest risk for stroke. Suggestions are provided for possible content of future stroke knowledge and prevention campaigns.
Biederman
Donna J
DJ
Department of Public Health Education and TRIAD NIH Center of Excellence in Health Disparities, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA. djbieder@uncg.edu
Sienkiewicz
Holly C
HC
Bibeau
Daniel L
DL
Chase
Chere M
CM
Spann
LaPronda I
LI
Romanchuck
Robert
R
Aronson
Robert E
RE
Schulz
Mark R
MR
Tiberia-Galka
Angela
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D044469:Racial Groups; D020521:Stroke / Q000208:ethnology*