Ethnic differences in behavioural risk factors for stroke: Implications for health promotion

Objectives. Ethnic minority groups are at a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. However, designing effective prevention strategies requires respo nding to the needs of different ethnic groups. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of four behavioural risk factors (smoking, drink ing, exercise and weight) for stroke among Black Caribbeans, Black Africans and Whites, and also to examined reported willingness to change these beha viours. Design. A random sample of 311 Black Caribbean, 300 White, and 105 Black Af ricans aged 45-74 registered with 16 practices in south London were surveye d in 1995. Information was obtained on smoking, drinking and exercise patte rns, body mass index and perceptions of being at risk of stroke, and willin gness to change risk behaviour. Results. White respondents (31% age and sex standardised prevalence) were m ore likely to smoke than Black Caribbeans (23%) and Black Africans (10%) (p < 0.001). Self-reported rates of drinking were higher than the government' s 'sensible drinking levels' for 19% of Whites, 11% of Black Caribbeans and 4% Black Africans (p < 0.001). In contrast, fewer Whites (51%) were overwe ight (BMI > 27) than Black Caribbeans (60%) and Black Africans (68%) (p = 0 .001). A high proportion of smokers wished to give up (89% Black African: 8 3% Black Caribbean; 74% White). A higher proportion of Black Caribbeans (35 %) reported a willingness to reduce their alcohol intake compared to only 1 5% of Whites (p = 0.040). There was a difference between groups in attitude s to weight reduction with 69% Black Caribbean women expressing a desire to be thinner compared to 86% Whites and 82% Black Africans (p = 0.051). Conclusion. Strategies to reduce behavioural risk factors for heart attack and stroke need to emphasise different risk factors among ethnic groups, es pecially in relation to alcohol use in the White population and weight in t he Black Caribbean population. Influencing the change of these behaviours r equires working in partnership with local community groups.