Ethnicity and health-related quality of life in the post stroke population: a systematic review

A systematic review was conducted on the association between ethnicity and health-related quality of life in post-stroke populations. In February 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted across several databases. Studies were included when they had at least 2 distinct ethnic post-stroke groups for comparison, along with the utilization of validated questionnaires to measure health-related quality of life. Two authors independently screened, selected, and evaluated studies, while 1 author extracted outcome data. When possible, effect sizes were calculated using raw data from included studies. Eleven studies were included, comprising 12,430 patients. All but 1 study found ethnic disparities in post-stroke health-related quality of life. In 8 studies, patients from minority ethnic groups had lower health-related quality of life after stroke compared with the predominant ethnic group in a country. In 2 studies, the minority group (Asians and non-Hispanic blacks, respectively) showed better outcomes compared with the majority group. In 1 study no differences were observed. In 6 studies the effect size was calculable, and ranged from small to moderate. Included studies show a large heterogeneity regarding included populations and reported outcomes. Racial/ethnic disparities in stroke patients exist in most studies from different countries. Further studies are needed to investigate the background of these disparities.