Physical and psychosocial consequences of stroke in elderly Mexican Americans

Objective: The current study examines the psychosocial and physical predictors and consequences of stroke among elderly non-institutionalized Mexican Americans. . Design: A cross-sectional cohort study design was used. Setting: The sampling frame included the Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas) where subjects were interviewed in their homes. Participants: A probability sample consisted of 3,050 Mexican Americans aged 65 or older. Main outcome measure: The main outcome measure was self-report of being diagnosed by a physician as having a stroke that required hospitalization. Results: Those who ever had a stroke (N= 159) were less likely to be able to perform activities of daily living than persons who never had a stroke (N=2,869). Rates of disability and prevalence of stroke appear to be higher in elderly Mexican Americans than in the general elderly population. Greater education and language acculturation were risk factors for having a stroke. Conclusions: The finding that Mexican Americans who are less acculturated are more healthy suggests that acculturation may increase morbidity and, potentially, mortality from stroke.