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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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. CONCLUSION: 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.
Authors: Emelia J Benjamin; Michael J Blaha; Stephanie E Chiuve; Mary Cushman; Sandeep R Das; Rajat Deo; Sarah D de Ferranti; James Floyd; Myriam Fornage; Cathleen Gillespie; Carmen R Isasi; Monik C Jiménez; Lori Chaffin Jordan; Suzanne E Judd; Daniel Lackland; Judith H Lichtman; Lynda Lisabeth; Simin Liu; Chris T Longenecker; Rachel H Mackey; Kunihiro Matsushita; Dariush Mozaffarian; Michael E Mussolino; Khurram Nasir; Robert W Neumar; Latha Palaniappan; Dilip K Pandey; Ravi R Thiagarajan; Mathew J Reeves; Matthew Ritchey; Carlos J Rodriguez; Gregory A Roth; Wayne D Rosamond; Comilla Sasson; Amytis Towfighi; Connie W Tsao; Melanie B Turner; Salim S Virani; Jenifer H Voeks; Joshua Z Willey; John T Wilkins; Jason Hy Wu; Heather M Alger; Sally S Wong; Paul Muntner Journal: Circulation Date: 2017-01-25 Impact factor: 29.690
Authors: Dawn M Aycock; Kenya D Kirkendoll; Kisha C Coleman; Patricia C Clark; Karen C Albright; Anne W Alexandrov Journal: J Cardiovasc Nurs Date: 2015 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 2.083
Authors: Christine U Oramasionwu; Gene D Morse; Kenneth A Lawson; Carolyn M Brown; Jim M Koeller; Christopher R Frei Journal: Popul Health Manag Date: 2012-11-29 Impact factor: 2.459