Stroke awareness public health research project in Mississippi delta: Lessons learned

Mississippi’s stroke mortality rate, third leading cause of death in Mississippi, is 18 percent higher than the rate for the U.S. Each year, approximately 5,000 Mississippians suffer a stroke. Typically, stroke is uncommon before middle age and the risk of stroke doubles each succeeding decade after age 55. Among African American men, this statistic is high: 34% of all stroke deaths occur before age 65. The prevalence of hypertension in African Americans is higher than in whites and its results are more severe.  Hypertensive African Americans have an 80% higher stroke mortality rate and a 50% higher heart disease mortality rate. Almost one-third of people with hypertension are unaware of having it, and of those who have been diagnosed with hypertension, less than 30 percent have their high blood pressure controlled. According to the Mississippi State Health Department, Washington County in the Delta, which has a high percentage of African American residents, has the highest rate of stroke in Mississippi. Awareness of stroke risk factors, prevention measures, and symptoms is low nationwide and in Mississippi (Shahbazi et al., 2005). Nationally and in Mississippi, awareness of stroke risk factors, prevention measures, and symptoms is low. Two risk factors -- overweight and high blood pressure -- are associated with a high risk of stroke. No empirical studies were conducted on these factors in the Mississippi Delta prior to our current study that aims at studying these and possible associated cultural factors.

 Applying mixed methods (qualitative/quantitative) approach, some knowledge have been gained about level of stroke awareness and factors contributing to stroke; however, lessons learned, concurring with the recent report by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, will advocate more comprehensive approaches to public health issues. This presentation will share lessons learned and offer a number of recommendations in conjunction.