Differences in disability among black and white stroke survivors--United States, 2000-2001.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States and was responsible for an estimated 53.6 billion dollars in direct and indirect costs during 2004. Stroke survivors can experience residual physical, psychological, and social impairment; nearly 45% of all stroke survivors aged > or =65 years have moderate or severe disability. Furthermore, persons in certain racial/ethnic populations experience disparities in stroke-related disability. To assess the prevalence of functional limitations among U.S. adult stroke survivors and to examine potential racial/ethnic disparities in stroke-related disability, CDC analyzed National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2000-2001. The results of this analysis indicated that black stroke survivors had greater activity limitations than white stroke survivors. To increase the quality and length of life among stroke survivors and to eliminate disparities in stroke incidence, greater efforts are needed to implement stroke prevention and intervention activities among black populations, particularly young to middle-aged adults. Increasing public awareness of stroke-related warning signs and encouraging patients to seek immediate treatment might reduce stroke-related disabilities and costs.