Traditions, norms and values affect how stroke is perceived in different cultural populations. Calvin Moorley and colleagues describe how understanding such differences can ensure appropriate afterstroke nursing care

The provision of health services in inner cities is complex and must take account of cultural differences among populations, because a lack of awareness about these issues can affect stroke survivors. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of life after stroke among different racial groups in a diverse inner-city population. Data relating to functional and physical, psychological and social variables was collected from patients attending an east London outpatient clinic for one year. Understanding how stroke affects different ethnic groups can help provide appropriate stroke aftercare. Having an insight into how activities of daily living are affected in each group can enable the delivery of culturally sensitive nursing care.