Researchers from Kingston University have received a significant funding award from the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) to look at how health inequalities faced by Black people in the UK living with the after-effects of a stroke can be addressed.

The 12-month study is due to start in October. It will see the University’s Professor of Health Psychology, Tushna Vandrevala, who has conducted similar studies on Covid-19 and health inequalities for ethnic communities and in relation to hepatitis B and C, team up with academics from the University of the West of England (UWE).

The project, entitled Inclusivity in Stroke Self-Management Support, aims to develop resources to help Black people who have experienced a stroke manage their condition. It also aims to educate healthcare professionals on how they can best support, and communicate with, Black African and Caribbean stroke survivors as they navigate their rehabilitation journey.

The study follows previous research that has shown Black people often struggled to find resources they could relate to from a cultural perspective when they returned home from hospital following a stroke. It also found many healthcare professionals lacked cultural awareness and understanding, leading to further health inequalities.

“Our ultimate aim with this project is to come up with solutions that make sure Black people living in the community following a stroke are supported and their needs are met. Even more importantly it is vital that we can make recommendations for an inclusive and culturally relevant approach – inclusivity is absolutely key,” Professor Vandrevala said.

The study will see participants recruited through community-based organisations that work with people living with the after-effects of stroke and those supporting them in the community. Professor Vandrevala and the rest of the research team, including two research fellows, will work with participants and stakeholders to co-produce interventions.