Race/Ethnicity Matters: Differences in Poststroke Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes

• Published in: Ethnicity & disease 2019, Vol.29 (4), p.599-608
• Main Authors: Garcia, James J., Warren, Karlita L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original Report: Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors
• ISSN: 1049-510X; 1945-0826
• DOI: 10.18865/ed.29.4.599

To examine racial/ethnic differences in poststroke inpatient rehabilitation outcomes. Cross-sectional and retrospective study of administrative data across 2002-2018. An inpatient rehabilitation facility in Southern California. 3,876 racial/ethnic people aged ≥ 18 years. Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) and discharge disposition. Participants were non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs, 68.5%), Hispanics (17.1%), non-Hispanic Asians (NHAs, 7.4%), and non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs, 6.4%) aged 18-102 years (Mage = 68.47±14.66 years; MLOS = 19.47±10.05 days). Above and beyond covariates, multivariate hierarchical regression analyses showed race/ethnicity significantly predicted admission, motor efficiency, and discharge FIM® scores. Compared with NHWs, the Hispanic and NHA groups were associated with lower cognitive, motor, and total FIM® scores at admission; the NHB group was associated with lower motor efficiency, lower discharge motor and total FIM® scores, whereas the Hispanic group was associated with higher discharge total FIM® scores. Lastly, Hispanics had higher odds of a discharge home compared with NHWs. Findings suggest racial/ethnic differences exist in poststroke rehabilitation outcomes.