Disparities In Stroke Research Articles

Discharge Communication and the Achievement of Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes Post-Stroke in the Transitions of Care Stroke Disparities Study.

Objectives: This study identifies the association between patient perception of discharge education/resources and adequate transitions of care (ATOC) (i.e., patient achievement of at least 75% of recommended positive behaviors and activities within 30days post-stroke hospitalization). Methods: The analysis measured the association between sufficient discharge communication (SDC) (i.e., patient receipt of sufficient diet education, sufficient toxic habit cessation education, if applicable, and scheduled medical follow-up appointment) and ATOC within 30days post-discharge overall and by race/ethnicity [non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic] in the Transitions of Care Stroke Disparities Study (TCSD-S) (2018-2023). Results: In our sample (N = 1151, Average Age 64+/-14years, 57% Men, 54% NHW, 24% NHB, 23% Hispanic), 31% overall, as well as 22% of NHW, 43% of NHB, and 41% of Hispanics reported SDC. After covariate adjustment, patients reporting SDC had increased likelihood of accomplishing ATOC when compared to patients not reporting SDC overall (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.42-2.74) and among NHW (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.64-4.64) and NHB (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.16-4.53). The association among Hispanic participants was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the importance of providing quality communication to patients to ensure a successful transition of care from hospital to home or rehabilitation facility.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Hypertension Risk in the REGARDS Cohort Study.

This study examined the longitudinal association between ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption and overall hypertension risk and explored the contribution of UPF to racial disparities in risk for hypertension. We analyzed data from 5957 participants from the REGARDS cohort study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke) free from hypertension during visit 1 (2003-2007), had complete dietary information at visit 1, and completed visit 2 (2013-2016). UPF consumption was measured using the Nova classification system and operationalized percent calories and grams. The main outcome was incident hypertension. Logistic regression was used for analysis. Thirty-six percent of participants developed hypertension at visit 2. Results showed a positive linear relationship between UPF and hypertension incidence. Aggregate model results showed that those in the highest UPF consumption quartile had 23% greater odds of incident hypertension compared with the lowest quartile. Multivariable results showed that Black and White participants in the highest consumption quartile had 1.26 (95% CI, 0.92-1.74) and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.01-1.47) greater odds of hypertension compared with those in the lowest quartile, respectively. Analyses using UPF consumption as percent grams showed similar aggregate results; however, race-stratified results differed. Findings were no longer statistically significant among White participants (odds ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.89-1.33]) but showed significant differences in incident hypertension between Black participants in the highest versus lowest UPF quartiles (odds ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.01-2.02]). This study demonstrated that high consumption of UPF is associated with increased hypertension risk. Further research is warranted to better understand differences in the intakes of UPF subgroups that may underpin the racial differences in hypertension incidence observed with different UPF metrics.

State Schooling Policies and Cognitive Performance Trajectories: A Natural Experiment in a National US Cohort of Black and White Adults.

Education is strongly associated with cognitive outcomes at older ages, yet the extent to which these associations reflect causal effects remains uncertain due to potential confounding. Leveraging changes in historical measures of state-level education policies as natural experiments, we estimated the effects of educational attainment on cognitive performance over 10 years in 20,248 non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White participants, aged 45+ in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort (2003-2020) by (1) using state- and year- specific compulsory schooling laws, school-term length, attendance rate, and student-teacher ratio policies to predict educational attainment for US Census microsample data from 1980 and 1990, and (2) applying policy-predicted years of education (PPYEd) to predict memory, verbal fluency, and a cognitive composite. We estimated overall and race- and sex-specific effects of PPYEd on level and change in each cognitive outcome using random intercept and slope models, adjusting for age, year of first cognitive assessment, and indicators for state of residence at age 6. Each year of PPYEd was associated with higher baseline cognition (0.11 standard deviation [SD] increase in composite measure for each year of PPYEd, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.15). Subanalyses focusing on individual cognitive domains estimate the largest effects of PPYEd on memory. PPYEd was not associated with rate of change in cognitive scores. Estimates were similar across Black and White participants and across sex. Historical policies shaping educational attainment are associated with better later life memory, a major determinant of dementia risk.

The association between social networks and functional recovery after stroke.

Social determinants of health (SDOH), including social networks, impact disability and quality of life post-stroke, yet the direct influence of SDOH on functional change remains undetermined. We aimed to identify which SDOH predict change on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) within 90 days after stroke hospitalization. Stroke patients from the Transitions of Care Stroke Disparities Study (TCSDS) were enrolled from 12 hospitals in the Florida Stroke Registry. TCSDS aims to identify disparities in hospital-to-home transitions after stroke. SDOH were collected by trained interviewers at hospital discharge. The mRS was assessed at discharge, 30- and 90-day post-stroke. Multinomial logistic regression models examined contributions of each SDOH to mRS improvement or worsening (compared to no change) from discharge to 30- and 90-day, respectively. Of 1190 participants, median age was 64 years, 42% were women, 52% were non-Hispanic White, and 91% had an ischemic stroke. Those with a limited social support network had greater odds of functional decline at 30 days (aOR = 1.39, 1.17-1.66), adjusting for age and onset to arrival time and at 90 days (aOR = 1.50, 1.10-2.05) after adjusting for age. Results were consistent after further adjustment for additional SDOH and participant characteristics. Individuals living with a spouse/partner had reduced odds of functional decline at 90 days (aOR = 0.74, 0.57-0.98); however, results were inconsistent with more conservative modeling approaches. The findings highlight the importance of SDOH, specifically having a greater number of individuals in your social network in functional recovery after stroke.

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet and Metabolites in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, and its association with renal outcomes remains unclear. In the REasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, diet data were collected at baseline using food frequency questionnaires. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association of MIND diet with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the REGARDS stroke case-cohort, 357 metabolites were measured in baseline plasma. Weighted linear regression was used to test associations between MIND diet and metabolites. Weighted logistic regression was used to test associations between MIND-associated metabolites and incident CKD. Mediation analyses were conducted to determine whether metabolites mediated the relationship between MIND diet and CKD. A higher MIND diet score was associated with a decreased risk of incident CKD (risk ratio 0.90, 95% CI (0.86-0.94); p = 2.03 × 10-7). Fifty-seven metabolites were associated with MIND diet (p < 3 × 10-4). Guanosine was found to mediate the relationship between MIND diet and incident CKD (odds ratio for indirect effects 0.93, 95% CI (0.88-0.97); p < 0.05). These findings suggest a role of the MIND diet in renal outcomes.

Provision of Stroke Care Services by Community Disadvantage Status in the US, 2009-2022

Stroke center certification is granted to facilities that demonstrate distinct capabilities for treating patients with stroke. A thorough understanding of structural discrimination in the provision of stroke centers is critical for identifying and implementing effective interventions to improve health inequities for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. To determine whether (1) hospitals in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (defined using the Area Deprivation Index) are less likely to adopt any stroke certification and (2) adoption rates differ between entry-level (acute stroke-ready hospitals) and higher-level certifications (primary, thrombectomy capable, and comprehensive) by community disadvantage status. This cohort study used newly collected stroke center data merged with data from the American Hospital Association, Healthcare Cost Report Information datasets, and the US Census. All general acute hospitals in the continental US between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2022, were included. Data analysis was conducted from July 2023 to May 2024. The primary outcome was the likelihood of hospitals adopting stroke care certification. Cox proportional hazard and competing risk models were used to estimate the likelihood of a hospital becoming stroke certified based on the socioeconomic disadvantage status of the community. Among the 5055 hospitals studied from 2009 to 2022, 2415 (47.8%) never achieved stroke certification, 602 (11.9%) were certified as acute stroke-ready hospitals, and 2038 (40.3%) were certified as primary stroke centers or higher. When compared with mixed-advantage communities, adoption of any stroke certification was most likely to occur near the most advantaged communities (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44) and least likely near the most disadvantaged communities (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.34-0.55). Adoption of acute stroke-ready certification was most likely in mixed-advantage communities, while adoption of higher-level certification was more likely in the most advantaged communities (HR,1.41; 95% CI, 1.22-1.62) and less likely for the most disadvantaged communities (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.21-0.45). After adjusting for population size and hospital capacity, compared with mixed-advantage communities, stroke certification adoption hazard was still 20% lower for relatively disadvantaged communities (adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87) and 42% lower for the most disadvantaged communities (adjusted HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.74). In this cohort study examining hospital adoption of stroke services, when compared with mixed-advantage communities, hospitals located in the most disadvantaged communities had a 42% lower hazard of adopting any stroke certification and relatively disadvantaged communities had a 20% lower hazard of adopting any stroke certification. These findings suggest that there is a need to support hospitals in disadvantaged communities to obtain stroke certification as a way to reduce stroke disparities.

The effect of 30-day adequate transitions of acute stroke care on 90-day readmission or death

ObjectivesWe explore patient-reported behaviors and activities within 30-days post-stroke hospitalization and their role in reducing death or readmissions within 90-days post-stroke. MethodsWe constructed the adequate transitions of care (ATOC) composite score, measuring patient-reported participation in eligible behaviors and activities (diet modification, weekly exercise, follow-up medical appointment attendance, medication adherence, therapy use, and toxic habit cessation) within 30 days post-stroke hospital discharge. We analyzed ATOC scores in ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage stroke patients discharged from the hospital to home or rehabilitation facilities and enrolled in the NIH-funded Transitions of Care Stroke Disparities Study (TCSD-S). We utilized Cox regression analysis, with the progressive adjustment for sociodemographic variables, social determinants of health, and stroke risk factors, to determine the associations between ATOC score within 30-days and death or readmission within 90-days post-stroke. ResultsIn our sample of 1239 stroke patients (mean age 64 +/− 14, 58 % male, 22 % Hispanic, 22 % Black, 52 % White, 76 % discharged home), 13 % experienced a readmission or death within 90 days (3 deaths, 160 readmissions, 3 readmissions with subsequent death). Seventy percent of participants accomplished a ≥75 % ATOC score. A 25 % increase in ATOC was associated with a respective 20 % (95 % CI 3–33 %) reduced risk of death or readmission within 90-days. ConclusionATOC represents modifiable behaviors and activities within 30-days post-stroke that are associated with reduced risk of death or readmission within 90-days post-stroke. The ATOC score should be validated in other populations, but it can serve as a tool for improving transitions of stroke care initiatives and interventions.

Stroke Demographics, Risk Factors, Subtypes, Syndromes, Mechanisms and Inter-Ethnic Differences between Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore-A Hospital-Based Study.

Disparities in stroke may be due to socioeconomics, demographics, risk factors (RF) and ethnicity. Asian data are scant. This retrospective hospital-based study aimed to explore demographics, RF, stroke subtypes and mechanisms among the Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore. Stroke was subtyped into haemorrhagic stroke (HS) and ischaemic stroke (IS). For IS, the clinical syndrome was classified using the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification while the stroke mechanism was categorised using the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. During the study period 1 June 2015 to 31 December 2023, data were collected on 1165 patients, with a mean age of 65.6 ± 12.9 yr; 47.4% were female, 83% were Chinese and hypertension (63.5%) and hyperlipidaemia (60.3%) were the most common RF. HS comprised 23.5% (95%CI 21.1-26.1%) (intracerebral 21.7%, subarachnoid 1.3%) of the patients, while IS comprised 76.5% (95%CI 73.9-78.9%) (small artery occlusion 29.0%, cardioembolism 13.3%, large artery atherosclerosis 9.4%, stroke of other determined aetiology 6.2%, stroke of undetermined aetiology 18.6%); 55% of patients had lacunar syndrome. A multivariable analysis showed that HS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.044), diabetes mellitus (OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.18-0.41, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.34-0.64, p < 0.001). There were no significant inter-ethnic differences by the OCSP (p = 0.31) or TOAST (p = 0.103) classification. While differences in stroke subtype in Asia may be due to RF, ethnicity has a role. More studies are needed to further explore this.

Racial-Ethnic disparities in stroke prevalence among patients with heart failure

Racial-ethnic disparities exist in the prevalence and outcomes of heart failure (HF) and are presumed to be related to differences in cardiovascular risk factor burden and control. There is little data on stroke disparities among patients with HF or the factors responsible. We hypothesized disparities in stroke prevalence exist among patients with HF in a manner not fully explained by burden of cardiovascular disease. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2014). Cardiovascular profiles were compared by race/ethnicity. Using survey-weighted models, effect modification of the relationship between HF and stroke by race/ethnicity was examined adjusting for cardiovascular profiles. Of 40,437 participants, 2.5 % had HF. The HF cohort had a greater proportion of White and Black participants (77 % vs 74 % and 15 % vs 12 %, respectively) and fewer participants of Hispanic ethnicity (8 % vs 14 %). Stroke was 8 times more prevalent in HF (19.6 % vs 2.3 %, <0.001). Among individuals with HF, race-ethnic differences were identified in the prevalence and mean values of vascular risk factors but were largely driven by higher rates in Black participants. There was significant interaction between HF and race/ethnicity; HF increased the odds of stroke over 7-fold in participants of Hispanic ethnicity (aOR: 7.84; 95 % CI: 4.11–15.0) but to a lesser extent in Black and White participants (Black aOR: 2.49; 95 % CI: 1.72–3.60; White aOR: 3.36; 95 % CI: 2.57–4.40). People of Hispanic ethnicity with HF have a disproportionately higher risk of stroke in a manner not fully explained by differences in vascular risk profiles.

Sleep Apnea and Incident Stroke in a National Cohort of Black and White Adults.

Racial/ethnic differences have been documented in the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and stroke incidence, yet racial differences in OSA symptoms or treatment and their relationship with stroke incidence are underexplored and may contribute to stroke disparities. We comprehensively examined OSA symptoms and their relationships to stroke incidence by race/ethnicity. Data were collected from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a population-based cohort of Black and White individuals in the United States. Participants free from a stroke diagnosis at baseline were included. Participants self-reported the following: (1) snoring; (2) daytime sleepiness; (3) provider-diagnosed sleep apnea (PDSA); and (4) treatment for PDSA using positive airway pressure (PAP). OSA risk was categorized as high or low based on the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire. Incident stroke was defined as first occurrence of stroke over an average of 12 (SD 3.9) years of follow-up. We report the relationships between snoring, OSA risk, PDSA, PAP therapy use, and incident stroke by race/ethnicity using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors and stroke risk factors. Among the 22,192 participants (mean age [SD] 64.2[9.1] years), 38.1% identified as Black. Overall, snoring was not associated with incident stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.85-1.13). However, among White individuals but not Black individuals, high OSA risk and PDSA were associated with incident stroke (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.47; HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.04-1.70, respectively). PAP therapy use among those with PDSA (compared with non-PDSA) was associated with incident stroke in White individuals (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.80). PAP therapy use among those with PDSA (compared with those with PDSA without PAP therapy use) was associated with reduced risk of incident stroke in Black (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.91) but not White (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.37-1.10) individuals. White individuals with high OSA risk and those with PDSA with or without PAP therapy use were at increased incident stroke risk, whereas Black individuals reporting PDSA and PAP had reduced incident stroke risk relative to those not using PAP. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying racial differences in OSA and stroke such as differences in assessment modes and treatment.

Abstract P195: Metabolites Mediate the Association of the MIND Diet With Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

The Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND), is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are associated with decreased risk of cardiometabolic disease; however, less is known regarding the association of the MIND diet with cardiometabolic disease. The objectives of this analysis were (1) to determine if the MIND diet is associated with prevalent hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and (2) to identify metabolites associated with the MIND diet and if these metabolites mediate the association of the MIND diet with hypertension and CKD. In the REasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, we examined the association of the MIND diet with prevalent hypertension and CKD. Fully adjusted models included age, sex, race, calories, alcohol, smoking, education, exercise, income, region, BMI, lipidemia, history of coronary artery disease, and diabetes. In the REGARDS stroke case-cohort sub-study, 357 metabolites were measured in baseline plasma. Weighted linear regression models were used to test the association between MIND diet score and metabolites adjusting for age, sex, race, calories, alcohol, and smoking. Weighted logistic regression models were used to test the association between MIND-metabolites and hypertension and CKD adjusting for age, race, sex, BMI, alcohol, and smoking. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine metabolites mediating the association between MIND diet and hypertension and CKD. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in the cohort random controls. A higher MIND diet score was associated with lower odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99; p=0.01) and CKD (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.86-0.91; p&lt;0.0001). Fifty-one metabolites were associated with the MIND diet (MIND-metabolites). Three MIND-metabolites were associated with greater odds of hypertension; however, these associations were attenuated in the fully adjusted models. Twelve MIND-metabolites were associated with greater odds of CKD. Mediation analyses indicated dimethylguanidino valeric acid (DMGV), guanosine, and C7 carnitine to mediate the association between MIND diet and hypertension. DMGV, guanosine, gluconic acid, S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine, C7 carnitine, and 5 triacylglycerols mediated the association between MIND diet and CKD. Higher adherence to the MIND diet is associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension and CKD. MIND diet-related metabolites were found to be associated with hypertension and CKD and may provide insight to metabolic pathways linking diet and disease.

Abstract HUP8: Mobile Stroke Unit Management Associated With Reduction In Racial Disparities In Stroke Treatment Metrics

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in stroke exist across the continuum of care, including prehospital care. The impact of Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) on racial disparities in thrombolytic treatment metrics is not reported. Methods: A pre-specified sub-study of ischemic stroke patients enrolled in BEST-MSU was conducted. MSU and standard management (SM) groups were divided into Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic (H) cohorts. Other racial groups were excluded (small n). Primary outcome was last seen normal to tPA time . Secondary outcomes included 90-day utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale (uw-mRS), functional independence (mRS 0-1), and mortality. Results: A total of 1420 patients were included: 557 NHW, 586 NHB, and 277 H. NHB and H groups were younger, had lower education, and higher proportions uninsured. In SM, NHB and H patients received slower care and less frequent tPA compared to NHW (Table 1). In contrast, MSU management reduced time to treatment (19 min NHW vs 46.5 min NHB vs 46 min H; p=&lt;0.001) in NHB and H, and led to more frequent tPA (13% more NHW, 11% more NHB, 25% more H) in H. MSU management was associated with better uw-mRS across all groups (Figure 1). More functional independence was seen in NHW and NHB (adjusted OR NHW 1.79 [1.10-2.95] p=0.019; NHB 2.13 [1.38-3.33] p=0.0007). Mortality benefit was seen in H (p=0.03). Conclusion: MSUs overcome known disparities in thrombolytic utilization and treatment metrics in Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic groups. Further studies are needed to evaluate care inequities that are overcome through integration of a MSU into the prehospital setting.

Abstract 88: Mobile Stroke Unit Management Associated With Reduction in Racial Disparities in Stroke Treatment Metrics

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in stroke exist across the continuum of care, including prehospital care. The impact of Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) on racial disparities in thrombolytic treatment metrics is not reported. Methods: A pre-specified sub-study of ischemic stroke patients enrolled in BEST-MSU was conducted. MSU and standard management (SM) groups were divided into Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic (H) cohorts. Other racial groups were excluded (small n). Primary outcome was last seen normal to tPA time[GJ1] . Secondary outcomes included 90-day utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale (uw-mRS), functional independence (mRS 0-1), and mortality. Results: A total of 1420 patients were included: 557 NHW, 586 NHB, and 277 H. NHB and H groups were younger, had lower education, and higher proportions uninsured. In SM, NHB and H patients received slower care and less frequent tPA compared to NHW (Table 1). In contrast, MSU management reduced time to treatment (19 min NHW vs 46.5 min NHB vs 46 min H; p=&lt;0.001) in NHB and H, and led to more frequent tPA (13% more NHW, 11% more NHB, 25% more H) in H. MSU management was associated with better uw-mRS across all groups (Figure 1). More functional independence was seen in NHW and NHB (adjusted OR NHW 1.79 [1.10-2.95] p=0.019; NHB 2.13 [1.38-3.33] p=0.0007). Mortality benefit was seen in H (p=0.03). Conclusion: MSUs overcome known disparities in thrombolytic utilization and treatment metrics in Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic groups. Further studies are needed to evaluate care inequities that are overcome through integration of a MSU into the prehospital setting.

Abstract HUP14: Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status Associated With Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke: The Women’s Health Initiative

Introduction: The role of socioeconomic status (SES) across cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is well researched at the individual-level but fails to explain the greater CVD rates among Black and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) groups at every level of SES. This research evaluated whether lower Neighborhood SES (NSES), a structural determinant of health, was associated with racial and ethnic disparities in CVD or stroke among aging women. Methods: The data came from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) cohort, consisting of 161,808 postmenopausal women with 30 years of data on stroke and CVD incidence. The NSES data were obtained from the US Census based on participant’s census tract of residence. We evaluated racial and ethnic disparities in the exposure and outcome prevalence using ANOVA. Associations between NSES and time to stroke and CVD were evaluated using multivariate adjusted Cox Regression models, and models were stratified by race and ethnicity to evaluate disparities. Results: NSES differed by race and ethnicity. Black, AIAN, and Latina groups were significantly (P&lt;0.01) more likely to live in neighborhoods with NSES Z-scores below the population mean (Z-score=0) compared with White and Asian groups. The mean NSES Z-score among Black participants was -5.21 standard deviations below the population mean. Thirty-year CVD and stroke incidence followed the same trajectory of racial disparities. Preliminary analysis suggests results from Cox regression models will identify lower NSES to be longitudinally associated with greater stroke and CVD incidence overall, and greater effect sizes among groups experiencing structural racism. Conclusion: This research evaluates racial disparities in NSES as a structural determinant of stroke and CVD. These findings provide evidence emphasizing the need for neighborhood-level interventions to improve CVD disparities that coalesce in marginalized communities.

Abstract WP151: Prevailing Income-Based Disparities in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cardiovascular Events in Young Hospitalized Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Insights From a Population-Based Analysis

Introduction: Cannabis use and low socioeconomic status are recognized as distinct risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular pathologies. This observational study aims to investigate the association between income status in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and cardiovascular events among young, hospitalized adults with dependent cannabis use or cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods: We analyzed young adult hospitalizations (18-44 years) with known CUD from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample. Propensity score-matched analysis (1:1) was used to compare comorbidities, including AIS and cardiovascular events, between the high-income quartile (HIQ) and low-income quartile (LIQ) within the CUD cohort. Results: Out of the young adult admissions, a total of 286,855 individuals were identified as dependent cannabis users. After propensity matching, we divided the CUD cohort into 63,355 patients with HIQ (41.1% female) and LIQ (41.4% female). While both cohorts exhibited comparable ages and racial distribution (&gt;65% white), the individuals from LIQ cohort were predominantly from South (45.7% vs. 27.9%), visiting rural hospitals (13.9% vs. 1.3%), with Medicaid (56.3% vs. 41.1%) as the predominant payer. Additionally, LIQ cohort had a higher prevalence of drug abuse (65.5% vs. 58.4%), tobacco use (24.9% vs. 22.6%), HTN (17% vs. 14.7%), chronic pulmonary disease (13.2% vs. 12.7%), DM (8% vs. 6.6%), and obesity (10.9% vs. 10.0%). Additionally, in-hospital outcomes like AIS (0.5% vs. 0.3%) and MACCE (2% vs. 0.8%) were higher in the LIQ cohort. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of AIS in the HIQ cohort was 37% lower than in the LIQ cohort (OR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.42-0.96]). (all-p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the LIQ-CUD group and lower odds of AIS-related admissions in the HIQ-CUD group warrant targeted interventions and policy measures to understand and address behavioral risk of cannabis use by economic status and disparities in MACCE.

Abstract TP266: Utilization of Survey, Focus Group, and Referral Data to Plan a Targeted Intervention for Rural Stroke Disparities, Prevention, and Care Access

Methods: This project was a collaborative partnership between a healthcare organization, academic institute, and the local Faith Health Network. A 34-question survey (n=54 respondents) collected data on rural community knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. Three focus groups (n=40 total participants) were conducted to better understand experiences with stroke and obstacles to accessing wellness and healthcare in rural communities. The focus group questions centered on barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Thematic summaries were aligned with stroke referral heat maps and demographics to develop a targeted plan for intervention. Results: Survey respondents reported gaps in awareness of stroke risk factors, stroke identification, and emergency response. Lack of motivation, followed by lack of time or energy, stress, lack of access to healthy foods, and community of support were barriers to healthy living. Cost, followed by transportation, access to medications, time, lack of insurance, and language differences were barriers to accessing medical care. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions was conducted for the three initial topics of barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Dialogue on barriers revealed themes of lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Themes within stroke impact included mental health, access, and advocacy. For solutions, themes emerged as health education, lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Each theme had additional subthemes and direct participant quotes. Survey responses, focus group themes, and referral demographics were synthesized to form a plan to impact stroke prevention and care in these rural areas. Conclusion: A multi-faceted, targeted approach is necessary to increase rural stroke awareness, address disparities in care, and decrease barriers to healthy living and care access.

Abstract TMP15: Rurality is Associated With Negative Social Determinants of Health and Worse Acute Stroke Metrics, for Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion

Introduction: One-fifth of the US population reside in rural areas (RAs). Large vessel occlusion (LVO), a quarter of ischemic strokes, portends poor outcomes. Only select hospitals have mechanical thrombectomy (MT) capability, worsening stroke care access in under-resourced areas. Methods: With an integrated Get With the Guidelines and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation registry (2016-2019), we compared demographics, acute stroke metrics, and social determinants of health (SDH) for patients with LVO stroke residing in RAs to those residing in nonrural areas (NRAs). Rural-urban commuting area codes determined rurality. We used Pearson’s chi-squared test for categorical variables, and Student’s t-test for continuous variables. Results: Of 145,554 patients with LVO, 3% resided in RAs. Of 46,629 patients post-MT, 3% resided in RAs. Patients with LVO residing in RAs were less likely of female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and more likely of White or Native-Hawaiian/Pacific-Islander race, than patients residing in NRAs (Table 1). They were more likely insured by Medicare, less by Medicaid, and less likely baseline ambulatory, have a Bachelor’s degree, or own a home, with lower median income. Patients with LVO residing in RAs more likely transferred into hospitals from other facilities than arrived from scene, less likely received thrombolysis, and had higher onset-to-arrival time. Door-to-needle time (DTNT) was lower for patients with LVO residing in RAs, but comparable specifically for patients undergoing MT (median (IQR) 38 (25) vs 35 (23), p=0.09), compared to patients residing in NRAs. Conclusions: Patients residing in RAs comprised a small portion of patients with LVO in the integrated registry, and differed demographically to patients residing in NRAs. Rurality was associated with negative SDH and worse acute stroke metrics, except DTNT for patients post-MT. Understanding rural stroke disparities may identify approaches to equity for patients with LVO.

Abstract WP112: Neighborhood Level Characteristics Associated With Adequate Transition of Stroke Care: The Transition of Care Stroke Disparities Study

Objective: Transition of Care Stroke Disparities Study is an observational prospective cohort aimed to investigate disparities in the transition of stroke care (TOSC) post-hospitalization to home and to identify factors associated with adequate TOSC and stroke outcomes. we have demonstrated that higher individual socioeconomic status is associated with adequate TOSC. The present study explores the association between neighborhood-level characteristics (NLC) and adequate TOSC in ischemic stroke patients 1 month after discharge. Methods: Data from 925 ischemic stroke patients discharged from 10 Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) was obtained from three sources: a. NLC: demographic composition, level of education, and median household income from publicly available data using participants’ Zip codes (independent variables); b. 30-day post-discharge data for 6 categories of TOSC-related behaviors (dependent variables) including medication adherence, weekly exercise, medical follow-up, rehabilitation attendance, toxic habit cessation, diet modification. c. Clinical characteristics from Get with the Guidelines-Stroke (covariates). The primary outcome was 100% adequate transition of care (ATOC), a combined index of ideal adherence to all applicable behavior modifications. Results: The sample included 46% Women, 23% Non-Hispanic Black and 22% Hispanic, the average age was 64 years. NLC ranged as follows: % Black (0-93.9, median 9.1), %Hispanic (3-99.9, median 82.3), % bachelor’s degree (6.3-77.3, median 26.2), and median household income ($18,920-159,914, median $48,816). Almost a third (34%) of participants achieved 100% ATOC. In the adjusted analysis of NLC variables, higher %Hispanic (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.03-2.04), higher %bachelor's degree recipients (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.21-2.18), and higher median income (OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.04-1.21) were significantly associated with achieving 100% ATOC. Conclusions: Results suggest that NLC plays a crucial role in adherence to care transition instructions, underscoring the importance of interventions targeted at lower socioeconomic status populations. Future work will determine the impacts of NLC on stroke recurrence and readmission.

Epigenetics as a target to mitigate excess stroke risk in people of African ancestry: A scoping review

BackgroundGlobally, individuals of African ancestry have a relatively greater stroke preponderance compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The higher prevalence of traditional stroke risk factors in this population, however, only partially explains this longstanding disparity. Epigenetic signatures are transgenerational and could be a plausible therapeutic target to further bend the stroke disparities curve for people of African ancestry. There is, however, limited data on epigenetics and stroke risk in this population. PurposeTo examine existing evidence and knowledge gaps on the potential contribution of epigenetics to excess stroke risk in people of African ancestry and avenues for mitigation. Materials and methodsWe conducted a scoping review of studies published between January 2003 and July 2023, on epigenetics and stroke risk. We then summarized our findings, highlighting the results for people of African ancestry. ResultsOf 104 studies, there were only 6 studies that specifically looked at epigenetic mechanisms and stroke risk in people of African ancestry. Results of these studies show how patterns of DNA methylation and non-coding RNA interact with lifestyle choices, xenobiotics, and FVIII levels to raise stroke risk in people of African ancestry. However, no studies evaluated epigenetic patterns as actionable targets for the influence of psychosocial stressors or social context and excess stroke risk in this population (versus others). Also, no studies interrogated the role of established or novel therapeutic agents with the potential to reprogram DNA by adding or removing epigenetic markers in people of African ancestry. ConclusionEpigenetics potentially offers a promising target for modifying the effects of lifestyle, environmental exposures, and other factors that differentially affect people of African ancestry and place them at relatively greater stroke risk compared to other populations. Studies that precisely assess the pathways by which epigenetic mechanisms modulate population-specific disparities in the risk of stroke are needed.

Addressing disparities in the global epidemiology of stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Though the burden of stroke worldwide seems to have declined in the past three decades, much of this effect reflects decreases in high-income countries (HICs). By contrast, the burden of stroke has grown rapidly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where epidemiological, socioeconomic and demographic shifts have increased the incidence of stroke and other non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, even in HICs, disparities in stroke epidemiology exist along racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographical lines. In this Review, we highlight the under-acknowledged disparities in the burden of stroke. We emphasize the shifting global landscape of stroke risk factors, critical gaps in stroke service delivery, and the need for a more granular analysis of the burden of stroke within and between LMICs and HICs to guide context-appropriate capacity-building. Finally, we review strategies for addressing key inequalities in stroke epidemiology, including improvements in epidemiological surveillance and context-specific research efforts in under-resourced regions, development of the global workforce of stroke care providers, expansion of access to preventive and treatment services through mobile and telehealth platforms, and scaling up of evidence-based strategies and policies that target local, national, regional and global stroke disparities.