Abstract 180: Association of Risk Factor-Based Educational Programs on Stroke Hospitalization and Death Rates in West Central Florida

Abstract

Background: Since 2003 six public health educational campaigns were begun in Florida to reduce stroke rate and mortality by increasing public awareness of stroke-related symptoms and its risk factors. Hypothesis: The public health campaigns reduced hospitalization and death rates due to stroke in West Central Florida (WCF). Methods: Using the Florida Department of Health databases, we tabulated the annual stroke-related rates of hospitalization and death in 10 WCF counties (Polk, Hardee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Desoto, and Highlands) from 1997-2016. Population (total: 4.75 million), median age, race/ethnicity distribution, and median income were recorded for each county. The pre-campaign period was defined from 1997 to 2002. Annual rates/100,000 population for stroke-related hospitalization and death were compared yearly before and after the campaigns were launched to determine their impact. Results (graphs): Compared to other WCF counties, Sarasota had the lowest baseline rate for stroke hospitalization, but its death rates did not significantly differ. Post-initiation, yearly declines average hospitalization (6.51%) and death rates (0.67%) were observed, but the decline in annual death rate was attenuated after 2006, suggesting the greatest impact was due to the Get With The Guidelines® campaign begun in 2003. Conclusions: Public health campaigns were associated with an almost linear decline in West Central Florida stroke hospitalization rates, suggesting a benefit from improved stroke recognition and risk factor reduction. The blunted effect on the death rate may reflect the limitations of therapeutic measures and implementation protocols employed during this period.