Abstract WP232: Targeted Mass Stroke Education Improves Knowledge of Stroke Signs in Georgia

Abstract

Introduction: Acute stroke patients must be transported to stroke-ready facilities swiftly for better patient outcomes. Public knowledge of stroke signs and the need to call emergency medical services (EMS) is critical to ensure that stroke patients get to hospital timely. This study assesses the impact of a targeted stroke awareness campaign launched by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) in 2017. Method: From May to September 2017, the Georgia DPH launched a multipronged public stroke education campaign involving public service announcements, posters on mass transport systems, billboards on highways, and digital displays at sport events. The campaign targeted African-Americans because of their higher risk for stroke. Four questions about stroke signs (facial droop, arm weakness and slurred speech) and the importance of calling 911 were added to the 2017 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The pre and post-campaign levels of knowledge of stroke signs, as determined by answers to BRFSS questions, were compared among different race groups using SAS-callable SUDDAN software and applying logistic regressions for model adjusted prevalence differences. Results: In general, a 3.8% to a 5.5% improvement in knowledge was documented for each sign of stroke. The proportion of adult Georgians who knew all three signs of stroke included in the campaign and the importance of calling 911 increased from 49.9% pre-campaign to 56.0% post-campaign. However, the improvement was significant and more pronounced among African Americans (16%, SE=7%) than among Whites (1%, SE=4%), and Hispanics (3%, SE=10%) controlling for other potential predictors. Moreover, relatively fewer Hispanics (29%; 95%CI: 19%, 41%) provided the correct answers to the four questions than African-Americans (58%; 95%CI: 51%, 64%) and Whites (62%, 95%CI: 58%, 67%) post-campaign. Conclusion: The Georgia DPH’s targeted mass educational campaign was effective in improving the knowledge of stroke signs among the public and the need to call EMS. The Department must continue its education effort to improve public’s knowledge with emphasis on reaching the Hispanic population.