Abstract T MP72: Temporal Trends in Public Awareness of Stroke Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Delay in seeking medical attention after stroke symptom onset is the most common reason for low rates of thrombolytic use for ischemic stroke. This may be related to poor recognition of stroke symptoms or lack of awareness of time-sensitive stroke treatments. We describe public knowledge of stroke warning signs (WS) and risk factors (RF), and changes over time. Methods: Survey respondents were drawn from our biracial population of 1.3 million using random-digit dialing in 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2011 to reflect the age, race, and gender distribution of stroke patients, based on an ongoing stroke incidence study in the same region. Participants were asked open-ended questions regarding stroke WS and RF. Comparisons over time were made using Armitage test for trend, and multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. Results: Over the study period, 8245 surveys were completed. As shown in the figure, knowledge of 3 correct WS improved steadily over time from 5.4% to 22.6% (p<0.001), and knowledge of 3 correct RF has also improved over time from 2.6% to 5.8% (p<0.001), but has remained relatively low. These improvements in knowledge persisted after controlling for differences in age and education between study periods. Conclusions: Public awareness of stroke WS and RF steadily improved from 1995 to 2011. These findings highlight the success of increasing community awareness of stroke WS and RF. Further research is needed to determine if increased stroke awareness leads to changes in care-seeking health behavior and improved stroke prevention. Figure 1: Comparison of Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs and Risk Factors between Survey Years, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Population