Abstract T MP97: Stroke Awareness And Modifiable Risk Factors Of Stroke Among Community-residing Adults With Prehypertension

Abstract

Introduction: To reduce the stroke risk and long-term disability related to the sequela of stroke in these individuals with prehypertension, it would be critical to be aware of modifiable stroke risk factors they have and control them, and to recognize warning symptoms of stroke and to present hospital right after the onset of them. Objectives: This study was undertaken to explore the awareness on stroke including knowledge on stroke and recognition on their own modifiable lifestyle risk factors; to identify the relationships between the level of awareness and the presence of lifestyle risk factorsamong community-residing adults with prehypertension. Methods: A total of 126 participants between the aged 42.2 years old were recruited by a convenient sampling in two urban areas in South Korea. Along with BP and anthropometric measurement, trained interviewers interviewed participants with a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics; stroke awareness measured by knowledge on risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of stroke andrecognition regarding whether their BP, body weight, blood glucose, and cholesterol are within normal limits; lifestyle risk factors of participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistics 20.0 Results: Mean systolic BP of participants was 128.8 mmHg and mean diastolic BP, 83.70 mmHg.The risk factors for stroke identified most by respondents were hypertension and stress. The warning symptom of stroke described by respondents most was “suddenconfusion, trouble speaking or understanding”.Only 19.6% ofrespondentsreplied that they would call an ambulance if they thought that they were having a stroke, and 35% of participants claimed that they knew whether their cholesterol levels were normal.Those who were currently non-smokers and moderate drinkers showed significantly higher level of stroke awareness (p <.05). Conclusions: The results suggest the desirability of improving the level of awareness of stroke among prehypertensive adults in the community.Established stroke risk factors such as heart disease and diabetes, and appropriate response including calling an ambulance at first to respond to warning symptoms should be addressed in a stroke prevention education for this population.