Research Reveals Connection Between Disparities in Healthcare and Stroke Care

A recent study suggests that individuals experiencing a stroke may receive treatment with clot-busting medications based on social factors such as education level, neighborhood, and employment status. The research focused on individuals suffering from ischemic stroke, the most prevalent type caused by a blockage in blood flow to the brain.

Dr. Chanaka Nadeeshan Kahathuduwa, the study author from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, stressed the critical implications of any obstacles hindering stroke patients from accessing clot-busting drugs, also known as thrombolytic therapy.

The study analyzed 63,983 individuals with ischemic stroke using public health records in Texas. Of the participants, 67% were white, 18% were Black, and 27% were Hispanic. The study found that 11% of them received clot-busting drugs.

Examining social determinants such as income, education, housing, and healthcare accessibility, researchers categorized participants into four groups based on the Social Vulnerability Index derived from U.S. Census data.

Among those classified as least disadvantaged, 1,037 received clot-busting drugs, compared to 964 in the most disadvantaged group. Adjusting for age, sex, and education, researchers discovered that those with the least disadvantage were 13% more likely to receive the treatment.

Regarding race and ethnicity, the study found that Black individuals were 10% less likely, and Hispanic individuals were 7% less likely, to receive thrombolytic therapy compared to white individuals. Insurance coverage also played a role, with Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Assistance, and uninsured individuals being 23% and 10% less likely, respectively, to receive treatment compared to those with private insurance.

Geographic location was another factor, with individuals in rural areas being 40% less likely to receive treatment than their urban counterparts.

Dr. Kahathuduwa expressed concern over these findings, emphasizing the link between social disadvantages and disparities in stroke care. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the interplay between societal factors, healthcare systems, and stroke outcomes. Addressing these social determinants is crucial for achieving equity in stroke care and recovery.