Florida Stroke Registry Researchers Study Haitian Creole Translation for Stroke Awareness Tool
Article Summary
- Florida Stroke Registry researchers have developed a Haitian Creole translation for the widely used BE FAST stroke awareness acronym.
- Haitian Creole speakers recommended Figi (face), Ekilib (equilibrium), Langaj (language/speech), Vizyon (vision/eye), Imobilite (paralysis/immobility) and Tan/Teflefon (time/call)—collectively “FELVIT”—as the appropriate acronym.
- Researchers hope the acronym will result in an increased recognition of stroke symptoms and faster responses.
Stroke neurologists and researchers with the Florida Stroke Registry, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, have developed a Haitian Creole translation for the widely used BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) stroke awareness acronym.
After conducting a study to determine the optimal translation, the team found “FELVIT” best conveyed the message to go to the hospital quickly at the first sign of stroke.
Florida is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the U.S. Haitians have fewer resources, higher stroke burden and worse stroke care and outcomes than non-Haitians, according to the study’s senior author, Gillian Gordon Perue, M.D., associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and director of the Stroke Program at Jackson Health System’s three community hospitals.
“There are no stroke-specific awareness tools currently available and this gap in patient knowledge about the signs of symptoms of stroke may contribute to delays in stroke treatment rates among Haitian patients,” said Dr. Gordon Perue, who also serves as director of the Florida Stroke Registry’s education core.
Identifying an Effective Stroke Awareness Acronym
Compared to the often used FAST (Face, Arm, Speech and Time), BE FAST has been shown to have a higher sensitivity for identifying acute stroke and performs better in diverse populations.
The BE FAST mnemonic is linked to earlier patient arrival times to the hospital and better treatment outcomes, according to Carolina Gutierrez, Ph.D., the associate director of the Florida Stroke Registry and a research assistant professor of neurology at the Miller School.
That’s important. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, according to CDC. In 2021, stroke accounted for one of every 21 deaths in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.
“While the Florida Stroke Registry uses BE FAST and the Spanish version, endorsed by the American Heart Association, RÁPIDO,” Dr. Gutierrez said, “in Florida, there are multiple languages spoken beyond Spanish and English, and Haitian Creole is one of the other predominant languages.”
The Florida Stroke Registry study surveyed stakeholders statewide, including Haitian Creole speakers. The majority of Haitian Creole speakers recommended Figi (face), Ekilib (equilibrium), Langaj (language/speech), Vizyon (vision/eye), Imobilite (paralysis/immobility) and Tan/Teflefon (time/call)—collectively “FELVIT”—as the appropriate acronym.
Better Stroke Outcomes
The successful translation of the English mnemonic to Haitian Creole sets the stage for future stroke awareness campaigns in Haitian communities. Evidence-based investigations of the effectiveness of FELVIT could lead to faster stroke treatment times and better outcomes in this community.
“By creating a tool in Haitian Creole, this community will have better access to important health information that is easy to understand and relevant to them,” said study author Erika Marulanda, M.D., M.S., FAAN, associate professor of clinical neurology at the Miller School. “The main goal is to improve stroke recognition among Haitian Creole speakers, leading to improved outcomes in stroke treatment and recovery.”
In fact, timely treatment can save brain cells and greatly reduce or even reverse damage from stroke.
“But if you’re not aware of the symptoms, you might delay calling 911,” Dr. Marulanda said.
Other Miller School and Jackson study authors include:
• Jose Romano, M.D., chair of neurology at the Miller School and executive director of the Florida Stroke Registry
• Nicole Sur, M.D., assistant professor in the Stroke Division at the Miller School
• Negar Asdaghi, M.D., associate professor of Clinical Neurology at the Miller School
• Tatjana Rundek, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, Evelyn F. McKnight Chair for Learning and Memory in Aging and executive vice chair of research and faculty affairs, Neurology, at the Miller School
• Jude Hassan Charles, M.D.
• Leila Stewart, B.S.N., R.N., SCRN
• Emmanuel Gay
• Selina Ancheta, J.M., B.S.N., R.N., SCRN
• Karelle Spence, B.S.N., R.N., SCRN
• Valynncea Butler, M.B.A.
• Hannah Gardener, Sc.D.
Tags: Dr. Carolina Gutierrez, Dr. Erika Marulanda, Dr. Gillian Gordon Perue, Florida Stroke Registry, neurology, stroke