Abstract
Aims: To investigate the experiences of life after stroke among different racial groups living within a diverse inner city population. Background: Provision of health services within inner cities is complex and demanding and requires careful attention to cultural sensitivities. Lack of awareness of these differences can impact on stroke survivors. Methods: Data was collected from 213 patients attending an East London hospital outpatient clinic for 12 months. Twenty-eight attendees (12m, 16f) had suffered a TIA and were excluded from further analysis. The data was analysed with respect to gender within 4 groupings (White, Afro - Caribbean, Asian and Other) using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: Of the 185 stroke patients (108 m, 77 f) who had suffered a stroke, there was little difference in respect of age, males (68.7 ± 12.9 years) and females (68.2 ± 11.9 years). The Asian men (n=21) reported significantly lower Barthel indices, dressing and greater sleeping difficulties. They required more carer support and had lower health ratings. For the female groupings, the Asian women needed significantly more help with bathing than the Afro-Caribbean group. Conclusion: In respect of ethnicity, there was more diversity in terms of functional, psychological and social parameters within the male group. Women may under report their need for assistance, as retaining stoicism can be salient for identity in an inner city community. Understanding of the impact of stroke within different ethnic inner city groups could aid the design and provision of stroke aftercare. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Profiling of stroke patients can help in design and provision of post stroke care. Understanding how different racial groups report performing activities of daily living can contribute to culturally sensitive nursing care.
Highlights
Stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is a rapid development of loss of brain function as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the brain
Women may under report their need for assistance, as retaining stoicism can be salient for identity in an inner city community
Relevance to Clinical Practice Profiling of stroke patients can help in design and provision of post stroke care
Summary
Stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is a rapid development of loss of brain function as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the brain. Some individuals experience a mini-stroke, commonly referred to as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) This is a limited episode with no persisting harm, compared to a stroke, which may cause death or permanent disability (Marieb, 2001). Support and health promotion, lack of awareness of cultural differences can impact on the stroke survivor (McNaughton et al, 2011). Residents constitute a wide breadth of ethnic backgrounds and share a diversity of religious, cultural and linguistic heritages. They display many features indicative of disadvantaged communities: low level of qualifications, income and skills base combined with, poor housing and health (Newham Stroke Pathway Profile, 2010)
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