Stroke Awareness in the Hmong Community
Recent research has found that Hmong Americans experience stroke at significantly younger ages and with more severe outcomes than their White counterparts. Between 2010 and 2019, Hmong patients experienced ischemic strokes an average of 11 years earlier and were twice as likely to suffer hemorrhagic (brain-bleed) strokes (31% vs. 15%). These findings suggest the Hmong community carries a disproportionate burden of stroke-with earlier onset, more severe forms, and often worse risk-factor control (e.g., higher blood sugar, poorer cholesterol control and blood pressure control).
The full research article can be found here: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.122.026763
These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive education, early screening, and prevention efforts within the Hmong community. In partnership with Wilder Research, Hmong Nurses Association (HNA), and the American Stroke Association, HHCPC conducted community listening sessions to better understand awareness of stroke, identify barriers to prevention and care, and develop culturally informed educational resources. We also interviewed healthcare professionals who care for stroke patients to help shape future outreach and education.
If you are interested in participating in a community conversation, please contact Miamoua Vang at Wilder Research at Miamoua.Vang@wilder.org.
