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Disparities in Care After Stroke for Black and Hispanic Patients: Intersection with Socioeconomic Status and Insurance Status—a Narrative Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This comprehensive review aims to illuminate disparities in post-stroke care for Black and Hispanic individuals by exploring the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance. By understanding the impact of stroke and the factors contributing to disparities, this review strives to identify strategies for improving stroke care equity and alleviating the burden of stroke-related morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable populations.

Recent Findings

There are disparities in care leading to persons from minoritized groups and with lower socioeconomic status having more strokes. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic patients who have strokes are less likely to have a good functional outcome compared to White patients.

Summary

Disparities exist along the stroke continuum of care for Black and Hispanic patients. There are disparities in stroke-predisposing comorbidities, incidence, severity, post-stroke disability, recovery, and community re-integration. Continued research on disparities in post-stroke care and interventions to mitigate these disparities is needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University/McGaw Medical Center, 355 E. Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Rachel Esparza

  2. Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA

    Lara de Almeida

  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez

  4. Critical Illness and NeuroRecovery, Warm Springs Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez

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  1. Rachel Esparza
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Contributions

R.E, L.A, and M.V.G. reviewed the literature, wrote the manuscript, and reviewed the manuscript. R.E. prepared Table 1.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rachel Esparza.

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Esparza, R., de Almeida, L. & Verduzco-Gutierrez, M. Disparities in Care After Stroke for Black and Hispanic Patients: Intersection with Socioeconomic Status and Insurance Status—a Narrative Review. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 11, 435–442 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-023-00424-4

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