Increasing Stroke Recognition and Behavioral Intent to Call Emergency Management Services in a Vietnamese American Population

Abstract

Objective: Serious complications of stroke, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States can be mitigated if treated in a timely manner. Stroke outcome disparity in Vietnamese Americans (VAs) is attributable to pre-hospital delay. To increase acute stroke recognition and behavior intent to call Emergency Management Services (EMS) among VAs and their families, an evidence-based, culturally and linguisticallyappropriate educational intervention was pilot-tested. Methods: A convenience sample of 38 Vietnamese-speaking adults recruited from a free community clinic participated in a one-hour educational session. Pre and post intervention surveys were administered to assess knowledge and intent. Results: Differences in pre-test and post-test means were large for stroke knowledge (Cohen's D=2.39), associated emergency action (Cohen's D=2.57) and behavioral intent to call EMS (Cohen's D=0.94). Conclusion: A linguistically and culturally appropriate community-based education intervention may be effective in increasing stroke recognition and behavior intent to call EMS among VAs.