Increasing stroke recognition and behavioral intent to call emergency management services in a Vietnamese American population

<p>Quyen Phan</p>

Increasing stroke recognition and behavioral intent to call emergency management services in a Vietnamese American population

Quyen Phan

Emory University, USA

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

Objective: Serious complications of a 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 behaviour intent to call Emergency Management Services (EMS) among VAs and their families, an evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate educational intervention was pilot-tested. Methods: A convenience sample of 38 Vietnamesespeaking 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 the 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 behavioural 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 behaviour intent to call EMS among VAs.