Introduction: Although Florida is home to the largest number of Haitian immigrants, few studies exist regarding stroke in this population.
Methods: A comparative case series of Haitian (n=72) and non-Haitian (n=144) stroke patients was conducted. After matching for gender and stroke subtype (78.7% ischemic and 21.3% hemorrhagic), demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared.
Results: Compared with non-Haitians, Haitian stroke patients were younger (67 vs 70.5 years; p=.0384), had higher diastolic blood pressures (88.2 vs 80.4 mm Hg; p=.006) and mean arterial pressures (112 vs 104.5 mm Hg; p=.01), and higher mean glycosylated hemoglobin values (7.2 vs 6.5 g/dL; p=.017). There were no significant differences in stroke severity or rates of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration. Haitians were almost 80% less likely to have Medicare or private insurance (OR= 0.23; p<.001).
Discussion: Haitian immigrants need improved access to care and prevention of known stroke risk factors, including hypertension and hyperglycemia.