Study Reveals Elevated Stroke Risk Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Populations

A recent study published in the journal Neurology highlights a concerning disparity in stroke risk among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experiencing the highest rates. The research, conducted by Fadar O. Otite, MD, MS of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, analyzed data from Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and New York over a span of up to six years.

The study focused on ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed, representing the most common type of stroke. Researchers combined hospital records with Census data to determine the incidence rates among various racial and ethnic groups, including white, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations.

Findings revealed that Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander individuals had a stroke rate of 591 cases per 100,000 people, more than double the rate observed in white populations (180 per 100,000). After adjusting for age, sex, and advances in stroke care over the years, the disparity persisted; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations had a stroke rate 3.3 times higher than white populations, nearly four times higher than Hispanic groups, and over five times higher than Asian groups. Notably, while in Florida their stroke rate was lower than that of Black populations, in Georgia, Maryland, and New York, it was higher.

These differences underscore the importance of targeted research into the underlying causes of such disparities. Otite emphasized that better understanding could help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, the study points to a significant issue in health data collection, where Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander identities are often combined with Asian groups, potentially obscuring specific risk factors.

Limitations of the research include the exclusion of stroke cases where individuals did not seek hospital care, suggesting that actual numbers might be higher. Nonetheless, the findings highlight an urgent need for increased awareness and tailored health interventions to address the elevated risk faced by these communities.

In light of the rapid growth of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations and their high cardiovascular disease mortality rates, this study advocates for improved data disaggregation and comprehensive epidemiological research to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups.

Source: Medical Xpress