Abstract T P115: Racial/Ethnic Differences in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Utilization and Functional Outcomes in the South Carolina Stroke Belt

Abstract

Background: Significant racial and ethnic disparities in stroke incidence, severity, morbidity and mortality have been consistently reported, but there are limited reports on racial/ethnic differences in post-stroke rehabilitation utilization and long term functional outcomes. Objective: To examine racial and ethnic differences in post-stroke rehabilitation utilization and functional outcomes. Methods: We examined one year follow-up data collected as part of the STEP-South Carolina Project that was designed to measure clinical, treatment, and functional outcomes in post-stroke patients. We used univariate and multivariate regression analyses adjusted for stroke severity to examine racial-ethnic differences in rehabilitation utilization (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy) and functional outcomes using a 20 question measure of activities of daily living (ADL) & instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) performance, life participation and driving. Results: Data from 162 stroke survivors (106 White, 56 Black) were collected at one year follow-up. As shown in the table, no significant differences were found between Blacks and Whites for rehabilitation utilization. In multivariate comparisons controlling for NIHSS, Blacks were less likely to report independence in overall functional performance outcomes as well as specific measures of toileting, walking, transportation, laundry and shopping. In addition, fewer Blacks reported driving at one year post-discharge. Conclusions: Fewer Blacks exhibited ADL and IADL independence at one year post-stroke after controlling for stroke severity, despite the fact that there were no racial-ethnic differences in rehabilitation utilization. Future studies are needed to further understand the reason for this disparity in recovery