Determinants of Using EMS or Attending Emergency Department after Minor Stroke and High-risk Transient Ischemic Attack in Henan, China

Objective: On the basis of current evidence, treatment delay is minimal if patients contact the emergency medical services(EMS) or attend an emergency department (ED) immediately after minor stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). Little is known about the factors that can influence these actions in China.. Methods: Data were collected from university affiliated hospital records from March 2010 to March 2012, and a questionnaire was administered that included questions about socio-demographics, self-reported risk factors and hospital arrival. Potential impact factors of utilizing EMS or attending ED were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistical regression. Results: Of 4247 patients who sought medical attention within 24 hours, 61.05%(2593) used EMS or attended ED after minor stroke or high-risk TIA. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that consciousness dysfunction(OR 3.129, 95% CI 2.397 to 4.084) at symptom onset, a higher income (>= 2001 Yuan/month) (OR 2.590, 95% CI 2.244 to 2.990), speech impairment (OR 1.343, 95% CI 1.208 to 1.493), Headache or vertigo (OR 1.223, 95% CI 1.090 to 1.372), atrial fibrillation(OR 1.539, 95% CI 1.180 to 2.007), and have family history of stroke(OR 1.290, 95% CI 1.107 to 1.504) were significantly associated with utilizing the EMS or attending an ED. Older patients (65-74years) were less likely to use EMS or attend ED than younger patients (OR 0.765, 95% CI 0.612 to 0.956), similarly to those who reported having previously TIA (OR 0.757, 95% CI 0.616 to 0.929). Conclusion: Utilizing EMS or attending ED after minor stroke or high-risk TIA in Chinese patients is not enough. Being elderly, previous TIA and lower income may contribute to this current status.. [Linyu Wang, Song Tan, Avinash Chandra, Yuming Xu. Determinants of Using EMS or Attending Emergency Department after Minor Stroke and High-risk Transient Ischemic Attack in Henan, China. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):3169-3172]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 464.