Building Social Support for Young Adult Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

Background:  According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Controls(DHEC), nearly half (49%) of all strokes in 2010 in South Carolina occurred among those under the age of 65. Further, African Americans were 61% more likely to die from stroke in South Carolina than whites. And, 10% of African American can correctly identify signs and symptoms of stroke per BRFSS findings in 2009. Finally, DHEC reported in 2009 that young adults experiencing stroke in South Carolina die at nearly twice the national average. As one of eleven southeastern states comprising the Stroke Belt, South Carolina is further distinguished as one the three states comprising the Stroke Buckle. This region experiences the nation's highest level of stroke mortality.

Program background: To build effective social support networks, collaborative efforts among public and private partnerships resulted in the development of five program components to suppport a replicable model to reshape the message of stroke awareness among the state's most vulnerable and hard to reach populations: a. Support groups  b. Caregiver recognition c. Children education d. Digital radio programing e. Expo events

Evaluation Methods and Results:  Survey assessments compared to the statistical baseline provided by DHEC are inconclusive at this time of submission but will be completed prior to August 1, 2012.

Conclusions:  Preliminary review suggest positive outcomes but remain inconclusive at this time of submission but will be completed prior to August 1, 2012.

Implications for research and/or practice:  Simultaneous "layering" of multiple related programs  focused upon the singular message of stroke among young adults is an effective communication strategy to build social support in similar communities.