The American Stroke Association campaign aims to spread awareness among Spanish speakers about stroke warning signs, utilizing the acronym R.Á.P.I.D.O. which mirrors the English acronym F.A.S.T.
The American Stroke Association, a branch of the American Heart Association, has launched the “Juntos Contra el Derrame Cerebral” (Together Against Stroke) initiative
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death for Hispanic women and fourth for men due to higher risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity within the Hispanic community. Unfortunately, only 39% of Hispanic Latinos were familiar with the English acronym, and merely 42% could identify two stroke warning signs without assistance, according to a survey by the American Stroke Association.
Dr. José Biller, from the American Stroke Association volunteer expert, emphasized the life-saving potential of R.Á.P.I.D.O., stating, “R.Á.P.I.D.O. is a tool that can help save lives”
The American Stroke Association underscores that Hispanic-Latino adults face elevated stroke risks due to factors such as limited healthcare access, lower health literacy rates, cultural barriers, and longer hospital arrival delays compared to non-Hispanic stroke patients.
Addressing language barriers is crucial in improving healthcare access and quality. Understanding which Spanish acronym resonates best with Spanish-speaking communities not only breaks down this barrier but also enhances stroke awareness and outcomes for everyone, affirmed Dr. Biller. With over 40 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., accounting for 13% of households, this initiative holds significant potential for a positive impact from the American Stroke Association.
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