Racial/ethnic differences in stroke awareness among veterans

Objective: To examine racial/ethnic differences in stroke recognition and knowledge of appropriate first action if someone was having a stroke. Methods: We examined data from 36,150 veterans from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Respondents indicated recognition of five stroke warning signs/symptoms and first action they would take if someone were having a stroke. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the independent effect of race/ethnicity on stroke recognition and appropriate first action, controlling for relevant covariates. Results: Most respondents recognized at least one warning sign: 96% recognized sudden confusion or trouble speaking; 97% recognized sudden facial, arm, or leg weakness; 88% recognized sudden vision loss; 94% recognized sudden trouble walking; and 80% recognized sudden headache; 86% recognized calling 911 as the appropriate first action. However, only 17% recognized all five warning signs/symptoms, and only 1 5% recognized all five warning signs/symptoms and would call 911 as the first action. In multivariate models with Whites as reference, Hispanics (OR.34, 95% CI.22-.51) and Others (OR.68, 95% CI.50-.92) were less likely to recognize all five stroke warning signs/ symptoms. Hispanics (OR.37, 95% CI.24-.58) and Others (OR.68, 95% CI,48-.96) were less likely to recognize all five warning signs/ symptoms and call 911 as the first action. Conclusions: Most veterans recognize individual stroke warning signs, but very few recognize all five and would take appropriate action to call 911 in the event of a stroke. Low rates of stroke recognition and taking appropriate action are more pronounced in racial/ethnic minority veterans.