School of Public Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
J Natl Med Assoc. 2010 Feb;102(2):84-94. doi: 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30495-8.
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.
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.
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.
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.
与白人相比，非裔美国人首次中风的风险几乎增加了两倍。我们的研究旨在确定密西西比州非裔美国人对中风危险因素和管理、症状以及降低风险策略的认识，该州是非裔美国人中风高发区。
我们对年龄在 18 至 74 岁的非裔美国人进行了横断面调查。我们收集了有关意识、信息来源、中风风险行为、糖尿病和高血压患病率以及与不吸烟、锻炼和了解理想血压、体重指数、总胆固醇和血糖目标相关的风险降低的信息。
分别有 21.8%、11.7%、15.4%、10.1%和 23.9%的受访者能够识别 1、2、3、4 和 5 个警告信号，而 17%的受访者无法识别任何信号。受访者最能识别的症状是面部、手臂或腿部突然麻木和言语困难。生活方式因素及其在中风中的作用不为受访者所知。具体来说，分别有 52.7%、56.4%、53.2%、38.3%和 28.7%的受访者未能提及缺乏体育活动、过量饮酒、糖尿病、吸烟和高胆固醇是可能导致中风的因素。
需要提高对中风、降低风险和适当中风应对的认识。应利用家庭、朋友和非裔美国人教堂来传递中风和其他健康信息。
