Knowledge of Stroke amongst Nursing Students: Effect of an Intervention

Abstract

Nurses play pivotal role in stroke management. Generally the nursing care provided to a patient is proportionate to the knowledge and skill of nursing personnel. The current article is about the effect of an educational intervention on the knowledge of nursing students regarding stroke. A total of 127 nursing students undergoing graduation programme underwent one day educational programme on stroke. A multiple choice questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge. The maximum attainable score was 17. Each correct answer was graded as one and incorrect answer as zero. The test was administered twice i.e. before and immediately after the intervention. The various aspects of stroke covered during the programme included the incidence, types and risk factors of stroke, importance of atrial fibrillation in stroke, acute stroke triage; assessment of patient for hemorrhagic stroke, thrombolysis in ischemic stroke and care of the patient in hospital, and home based settings. Stroke unit care and care after discharge from the hospital were discussed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean knowledge score between the pre-test and post-test. (t = 15.36, p< 0.001). After intervention, around one third (35%) scored between 86–100% and approximately half of the participants scored between 71–85%. It is concluded that intervention was effective in enhancing the knowledge of nursing students regarding stroke. Keywords: Knowledge, Stroke, nursing students