Abstract W P342: Point-of-Purchase Stroke Educational Campaign at Supermarket is Effective for Rural Residents

Abstract

Background and purpose: Like in western countries, the number of elderly people is markedly increasing in Japan. This trend is especially pronounced in rural areas. Although there were studies about stroke enlightenments for younger individuals, educational campaign for elderly people is also needed. The aim of the present study is to verify the effectiveness of stroke educational campaign for the rural residents in Japan. Methods: We produced a flyer instructing stroke sign and symptoms, and encouraging immediate calling for emergent medical service (EMS) on identification of stroke signs and symptoms. In December 2012, we conducted a 3-week stroke educational campaign at supermarkets in rural town in Japan. The population of the campaign area was 16981 (male 8129 and female 8852) and percentage of people aged 65 and higher was 39.8%. A total of 5000 sheets of flyers were distributed at the point of purchase to the customers. Questionnaires on stroke knowledge and appropriate action on identification of stroke, consisted of multiple-choice and closed type questions, were filled out before and 3 months after the campaign. Results: A total of 882 residents were responded to the questionnaire before and 3 months after the educational campaign; 409 vs.473, respectively. Of these, 686 respondents (78%) were aged over 65 years. At 3 month after the educational campaign, proportions of correct answer for hemiplegia, numbness of one side were higher as compared with those before the campaign; 58% vs. 49%, 57% vs. 50%, respectively (p<0.05) . The proportion of calling EMS on identifying stroke signs and symptoms was higher than that before the campaign; 54% vs. 40% (p<0.001). Among the questionnaire respondents aged 65 years or older, proportions of correct answer for numbness of one side; 53% vs. 44% (p<0.05) and calling for EMS on identifying stroke signs and symptoms; 51 vs. 36% (p<0.001) were higher than those before the educational campaign. Conclusions: These data suggest that a simple point-of-purchase stroke educational campaign using educational flyers could have a meaningful impact on the stroke enlightenments for elderly people in rural area.