Admissions for Ischemic Stroke Among Younger Adults in Kentucky: A Comparison of Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Counties.

TitleAdmissions for Ischemic Stroke Among Younger Adults in Kentucky: A Comparison of Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Counties.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsGehefer GO, White B, Simpson KN
JournalJ Allied Health
Volume48
Issue2
Paginatione61-e64
Date Published2019 Summer
ISSN1945-404X
KeywordsAdult, Age Factors, Appalachian Region, Brain Ischemia, Cardiovascular Diseases, Female, Health Status, Humans, Kentucky, Male, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Residence Characteristics, Retrospective Studies, Socioeconomic Factors, Stroke, Young Adult
Abstract

Residents of Appalachian counties have worse health outcomes compared to non-Appalachian counties. It is unclear to what extent disparities exist for younger adults in this region who have experienced an ischemic stroke (IS). This study compared sociodemographic characteristics of younger adults (ages 20-64 yrs) who experienced an IS in Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties in Kentucky using the 2014 State Inpatient Database. Admissions were higher among Appalachian patients of lower income and Appalachian patients who resided in rural areas. Admissions were also higher among Appalachian patients with heart disease. These findings indicate sociodemographic differences may exist among younger adults admitted for IS in the Kentucky Appalachian region. These findings improve our understanding of how stroke is distributed among younger adults in Appalachia.

Alternate JournalJ Allied Health
PubMed ID31167020