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 15% 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.