R.A.P.I.D.O. Acronym and Campaign Helps Spanish Speakers Recognize a Stroke’ is condensed to
R.A.P.I.D.O. Acronym and Campaign Helps Spanish Speakers Recognize a Stroke' is condensed to
R.Á.P.I.D.O: A Powerful Acronym to Raise Stroke Awareness in the Hispanic Community
Every second counts when it comes to stroke. Recognizing the symptoms and taking immediate action is crucial for saving lives and preventing long-term disability. However, a survey revealed that only 39% of Hispanic consumers were familiar with the English stroke warning sign acronym F.A.S.T. The American Stroke Association (ASA) aims to bridge this gap by promoting a new acronym, R.Á.P.I.D.O., to increase stroke awareness among Hispanic Americans.
Closing the Language Barrier and Improving Stroke Outcomes
Language barriers pose significant challenges to healthcare access and quality for the Spanish-speaking community. To address this issue and improve stroke awareness and outcomes, the ASA introduced the R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym. Developed by stroke experts at the University of Texas Health Houston, R.Á.P.I.D.O. stands for:
- Rostro caído (face drooping)
- Alteración del equilibrio (loss of balance or lack of coordination)
- Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo (arm weakness)
- Impedimento visual repentino (sudden vision difficulty)
- Dificultad para hablar (slurred or strange speech)
- Obtén ayuda, llama al 911 (get help, call 911)
“The research to identify which Spanish acronym worked best for the Hispanic-Latino community was critical because the acronym reminds people what to look for and to ‘act fast’ when they are having a stroke or see someone having one,” explained Jennifer Beauchamp, an associate professor at UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing and the university’s Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.
The Importance of Stroke Awareness in the Hispanic Community
Increasing stroke awareness is particularly important in the Hispanic community, as they face higher risks of stroke due to unmanaged risk factors, limited access to healthcare, lower health literacy, and cultural and economic barriers. Additionally, Hispanic stroke patients often experience longer delays in hospital arrival, more severe strokes, and poorer outcomes compared to other groups. By 2030, the prevalence of stroke among Hispanic men is projected to increase by 29%.
Juntos Contra el Derrame Cerebral: Raising Awareness Together
To raise awareness about R.Á.P.I.D.O. and achieve health equity in stroke care, the ASA has launched the Juntos Contra el Derrame Cerebral campaign, specifically catering to the Spanish-speaking population. This Spanish-language campaign includes a public service announcement and a catchy jingle to help people remember the R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym.
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“The language barrier is among the most significant barriers to healthcare access and quality,” emphasized Dr. José Biller, chair of neurology at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine and an ASA volunteer expert. “Understanding which Spanish acronym resonated best with Spanish-speaking communities addresses this barrier while increasing stroke awareness and improving outcomes for all.”
How R.Á.P.I.D.O. Can Save Lives
Stroke symptoms are sudden and must be recognized quickly for individuals to receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. The R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym serves as a powerful tool to help people identify stroke symptoms and take immediate action. By familiarizing themselves with the signs of stroke, individuals can respond promptly and call 911, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term disabilities.
The Road to Stroke Awareness
Efforts to raise stroke awareness and bridge healthcare disparities are essential for ensuring equal access to care and improving health outcomes. The ASA’s Juntos Contra el Derrame Cerebral campaign, coupled with the R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym, brings stroke education and prevention to the forefront of the Hispanic community. By empowering individuals with knowledge and encouraging immediate action, we can collectively make strides in stroke prevention and ensure better stroke outcomes for all.
For more information about R.Á.P.I.D.O. and stroke awareness, visit www.derramecerebral.org or www.stroke.org/rapido.
SOURCE: American Stroke Association, news release, Sept. 14, 2023
