Key Points
- Summarize current epidemiological evidence regarding ethnic and racial disparities in stroke incidence, severity, mortality, and post-stroke care to propose targeted interventions.
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search evaluating racial and ethnic variations in stroke incidence, disease severity, and mortality rates.
- Synthesized published findings assessing disparities across acute clinical management and postacute rehabilitation settings.
- Evidence consistently demonstrates a higher stroke burden, greater stroke severity, and elevated mortality rates among Black populations.
- Disparities in acute and postacute clinical care, as well as outcomes other than mortality, show substantial variability across different healthcare settings and regions.
- Data evaluating stroke burden and care disparities among non-Black racial and ethnic minority groups remain limited and inconclusive.
Structured PICO
PPopulationPatients with stroke across different ethnic and racial groups
OOutcomeEthnic/racial variation in stroke incidence, mortality, severity, and acute/postacute patient care
This review highlights significant ethnic disparities in stroke burden and severity, particularly for Black patients, emphasizing the need for targeted quality improvement and culturally competent care.
Limitations
- Lack of studies accounting for regional ethnic variations
- Insufficient documentation of stroke outcomes among ethnic groups other than blacks