Black/Hispanic Disparities in a Vulnerable Post-Stroke Home Care Population

This article examines socio-economic and health disparities in a diverse, hypertensive sample of 495 post-stroke Black, non-Hispanic and Hispanic home health patients at risk of a recurrent stroke due to elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), defined as SBP  > 140 mmHg. The article, which analyzes cross-sectional data, focuses on correlates of patients’ SBP—the leading modifiable cause of stroke—and physical function—a key stroke sequela and indicator of post-stroke quality of life. Of the 495 participants, 69.7% were Black, non-Hispanic, and 3 0.3% Hispanic. Black participants had significantly higher mean SBP than Hispanics. After controlling for multiple potential confounders/predictors, being Black was associated with a 3.55 mmHg elevation in SBP relative to being Hispanic. There were no significant Black/Hispanic differences in physi cal function measures. Seven independent variables significantly predicted better physical function: being male, younger, having fewer comorbidities, lower BMI, fewer depressive symptoms, higher health literacy, and current alcohol drinking (vs. abstinence). Our data provide a unique comparison of h omebound Black and Hispanic stroke survivors at heightened risk of recurrent stroke absent targeted intervention. The finding of a significant Black/Hispanic disparity in SBP is striking in this narrowly defined home health care population all of whom are at risk for recurrent stroke. Priority shoul d be given to culturally tailor...
Source: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research