The Challenges of Community-Based Research

Abstract

Despite the challenges of community-based research encountered within our project, we found that stroke education in the beauty shop significantly improved knowledge regarding stroke warning signs and calling 911 among a group of black women. This improvement in knowledge was sustained for at least 5 months. Knowledge of stroke risk factors, however, did not improve. The use of the beauty shop as an educational site is a novel approach to stroke education for women that can be practically applied in the community. Education regarding stroke risk factors remains a challenge that warrants further study.