Do Hispanic Children Need to Know About Stroke Prevention?

Abstract

When compared to Hispanics in their native countries, the frequency of stroke in the Hispanic American population is higher. This has been linked to an increase in smoking, inactivity, and obesity. Initially these health issues were thought to affect only Hispanic adults, but research confirms that first- and second-generation adolescents and young adults continue to demonstrate these habits. Education has been shown to be an effective method of stroke prevention by increasing an individual’s knowledge base. As demonstrated in a previous study performed in the Hispanic community, when educational material is presented in a familiar environment and offers lifestyle options that are culturally realistic, there is an increase in knowledge and compliance with lifestyle changes. The focus of education for stroke prevention has always been placed on older adults, but little has been done to alter the cultural risk factors found in the young adult and adolescent population in order to prevent stroke in the future.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• Hispanic
• stroke prevention
• young adults