Racial Disparity in Stroke Awareness in the US: An Analysis of the 2014 National Health Interview Survey

BACKGROUND/AIMS Stroke is a leading cause of premature death and disability, and increasing the proportion of individuals who are aware of stroke symptoms is a target objective of the Healthy people 2020 project. METHODS We used data from the 2014 Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess the prevalence of stroke symptom knowledge and awareness. We also tested, using a logistic regression model, the hypothesis that individuals who have knowledge of all 5 stroke symptoms will be have a greater likelihood to activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) if a stroke is suspected. RESULTS From the 36,697 participants completing the survey 51% were female. In the entire sample, the age-adjusted awareness rate of stroke symptoms/calling 911 was 66.1%. Knowledge of the 5 stroke symptoms plus importance of calling 911 when a stroke is suspected was higher for females, Whites, and individuals with health insurance. Stroke awareness was lowest for Hispanics, Blacks, and survey participants from Western US region. CONCLUSION The findings allude to continuing differences in the knowledge of stroke symptoms across race/ethnic and other demographic groups. Further research will confirm the importance of increased health literacy for Stroke management and prevention in minority communities.