Racial disparities in tissue plasminogen activator treatment rate for stroke: a population-based study.

Background And Purpose: Some prior studies have shown that racial disparities exist in intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use for acute ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether race was associated with tPA treatment for stroke in a predominantly black urban population.

Methods: Systematic chart abstraction was performed on consecutive hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke from all 7 acute care hospitals in the District of Columbia from February 1, 2008, to January 31, 2009.

Understanding reasons for delay in seeking acute stroke care in an underserved urban population.

Background And Purpose: Few patients arrive early enough at hospitals to be eligible for emergent stroke treatment. There may be barriers specific to underserved, urban populations that need to be identified before effective educational interventions to reduce delay times can be developed.

Methods: A survey of respondents' likely action in a hypothetical stroke situation was given to 253 community volunteers in the catchment areas of a large urban community hospital.