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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anthony M. Sallar, MPH, PhD, MBA, School of Health Sciences, Ohio University, Grover Center E335, Athens, OH 45701-2979, 740-593-0528, sallar@ohio.edu, Ademola M. Omishakin, MPH, PhD, MBA, Department of Natural Science & Environmental Health, Mississippi Valley State University, 14000 Highway 82 West #7298, Itta Bena, MS 38941, Debra Patton Lloyd, MS, PhDc, Department of Agriculture & Information Science, Mississippi State University, 130 Lloyd Ricks, Box 9731, Mississippi State, MS 39762, and P. Bassey Williams, PhD, CHES, GHEPPInc, P.O. 870, Baltimore, MD 39213.

Background Stroke accounts for 15% of deaths in Mississippi. Mississippi is one of the eleven states in the southeast region of US known as the "stroke belt". About 61% of adult Mississippians have at least one of the main stroke risk factors. Since 1990 the percentage with BMI °Ý 25 has increased and adult Mississippians reporting high cholesterol level has remained at 30%. Obesity rate increases at 5% per year with 23% of adult Mississippians classified as obese. Mississippians with diabetes has increased from around 6% in 1997 to 7.9% in 1999.

Methods This was a cross sectional survey of 188 African-Americans resident in 4 counties of the Mississippi Delta. The questionnaire elicited demographic information, knowledge on risk factors, warning signs for stroke, ability to notice stroke symptoms and what to do, smoking status and history, and exercise.

Results Participants were 33% (males), 36% (married), 16.6% (current smokers). The mean age was 34.9 (sd ± 13.5). Primary source of stroke information was from family members (51.1%), media (45.7%), and health professionals (43.1%). Respondents identified stroke warning signs including sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg (72.3%), trouble speaking (60%); loss of vision (35.6%), sudden severe headache without cause (39.9%) and 17.6% did not know any sign. However, only 49.7% believed that treatment of stroke within 3 hours of onset of symptoms could reduce chances of long term disabilities. Although 47% heard about BMI , 80% did not know their BMI nor the ideal target readings of BMI (83.7%); blood pressure (38%), fasting blood sugar (73%), and blood cholesterol (87%).

Conclusion There is the need to improve knowledge of stroke risk factors, stroke awareness, and appropriate response should they witness a stroke. Family and friends can be used to deliver health information especially risk factors in addition to traditional methods.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• List the 11 states in the southeast region of the United States known as the “stroke belt” because for at least 50 years the region had higher stroke death rates than other regions in the US.;
• Identify information relating to “know your numbers” as it relates to the ideal cholesterol target, blood pressure target, blood sugar target and body mass index target;
• Identify the major risk factors for stroke;
• Recognize symptoms of stroke and what to do immediately on the onset of a stroke attack in order to mitigate the severity or impact.

Keywords: Strokes, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No