Abstract TP247: Focused Approach to Tailor Native American Stroke Awareness Messaging in Montana

Abstract

Overall, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans have higher stroke risks, stroke occurrence at an earlier age, and for some people of color possibly more severe strokes than non-Hispanic whites. Native Americans make up approximately 6.5% of the population of Montana—equating to around 78,000 people. A focused objective of the Mission: Lifeline Stroke Montana initiative was to specifically engage with Native Americans through public awareness campaigns to improve stroke outcomes in Montana. Method: In 2021 a survey was deployed to Native Americans in Montana to evaluate knowledge, awareness, and understanding of stroke risk factors, signs and symptoms, and what to do in the event of a stroke. Surveys were collected from eight tribal nations. The results of this survey guided message development to create a tailored public awareness campaign. Results: Analysis of the 398 surveys collected showed a representative sampling of respondents by age, gender, education, and geographic area. The key findings were:· Less than 38% of respondents reported having ever talked with a healthcare provider about their risk of stroke, with men being less likely than women to have discussed their stroke risk.· Nearly 94% of respondents said they knew high blood pressure was a risk factor for stroke but have not discussed their personal risk with a healthcare provider.· When asked what action they would take in the event of a possible stroke, over 75% of respondents said they would call 911. Less than half of the respondents indicated the best mode of transportation, in the event of a possible stroke, was an ambulance. Conclusion: Based on survey findings, specific engagement strategies were centered around two main messages:-Know the risk factors for stroke and talk with a healthcare provider about your risk. -Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of stroke to access treatment through Montana’s Stroke System of Care. A post-campaign survey will be deployed in the fall of 2023. This survey will aim to assess the effectiveness of these tailored campaign initiatives.