Awareness Regarding Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms and Treatment of Stroke

Abstract

Background: The awareness of risk factors, signs and symptoms and treatment of stroke is important to reduce morbidity and mortality in India and may lead to better functional outcome and quality of life for the patient. This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of stroke in the general population of Pune. Materials and methods: Ethical committee clearance was taken. A sample of 201 participants from Pune and nearby regions, India participated in this cross sectional study. Data was collected via Google forms and further analyzed. Results: The average age of the study participants was 30.29 with SD OF 12.53 yrs, out of which 60.2% were males and 39.3% were females. Most commonly recognised risk factors in this study were hypertension and stress (71.6%). Only 4.2% participants were able to identify all the risk factors correctly. Most identified sign was chest pain (64.2%) followed by loss of balance (55.7%). 56.7% recognized the brain as the part affected. In terms of emergency response, there was a high level of awareness regarding the importance of calling an ambulance (76.1%). 86.57% knew at least two correct measures for prevention of stroke. Only 47.8% were aware about the achievable recovery post stroke Conclusion: There is significant lack of awareness about risk factors and signs and symptoms of stroke. Public awareness can be done by conducting seminars and via online social media platforms to target young age groups.