Abstract WP312: Relaxation Techniques Profile Of Self-reported Stroke Survivors: Analysis Of The National Health Interview Survey

INTRODUCTION: There is limited description of the various relaxation techniques used by stroke survivors at a population level. Objective: We examined and described differences in relaxation techniques among stroke survivors from a nationally representative survey. Methods: Analysis was based on the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (n=23,393 adults (>18 years); mean age=45.8; female=51.7%). The NHIS is a cross-sectional household interview survey utilizing a multistage area probability design. Data was collected by trained personnel from the US Census Bureau in face-to-face interviews. Respondents provided anthropometric and sociodemographic data and information on physician-diagnosed chronic conditions, including self-reported stroke and use of relaxation techniques (i.e. acupuncture, deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation (also asked if ever), progressive relaxation, stress management class, support group meeting, practice yoga) in the past 12 months. All analyses were performed using SAS 9.3 (SAS, Inc, Cary, NC), applying relevant sample weights. Results: Self-reported stroke prevalence was 2.4% (Unweighted:647; weighted: 5,425,685). Self-identified stroke survivors were more likely to report being female, obese, widowed, and Black/African Americans compared to non-stroke survivors (p<0.05). The most common relaxation technique was deep breathing exercises (13.1%) and least reported was utilization of stress management class (1.1%). Stroke survivors were more likely to report using acupuncture and employing deep breathing exercises (2.2% versus 1.4% and 13.1% versus 12.4%; p<0.05) compared to those not reporting stroke. They were also less likely to practice yoga in the past 12 months compared to non-stroke survivors (2.3 % versus 5.8% ; p<0.05). Other relaxation measures comparisons were not significant. Conclusions: Our analysis of epidemiologic stroke data suggests that individuals who survived stroke utilize relaxation techniques such as acupuncture and deep breathing. Future research is needed to evaluate if these relaxation techniques assist stroke survivors with better health and quality of life outcomes in long-term rehabilitation.