Abstract
BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and functional impairment. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have the poorest awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. This study examined knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsRandomly selected community-dwelling older people (aged 65+) in Ireland (n = 2,033; 68% response rate). Participants completed home interviews. Questions assessed knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors, and personal risk factors for stroke.ResultsOf the overall sample, 6% had previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. When asked to identify stroke risk factors from a provided list, less than half of the overall sample identified established risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypercholesterolaemia), hypertension being the only exception (identified by 74%). Similarly, less than half identified established warning signs (e.g., weakness, headache), with slurred speech (54%) as the exception. Overall, there were considerable gaps in awareness with poorest levels evident in those with primary level education only and in those living in Northern Ireland (compared with Republic of Ireland).ConclusionKnowledge deficits in this study suggest that most of the common early symptoms or signs of stroke were recognized as such by less than half of the older adults surveyed. As such, many older adults may not recognise early symptoms of stroke in themselves or others. Thus, they may lose vital time in presenting for medical attention. Lack of public awareness about stroke warning signs and risk factors must be addressed as one important contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from stroke.
Highlights
Stroke is a leading cause of death and functional impairment
Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs in the general population has consistently been found to be poor, with knowledge levels poorest in groups that have the highest risk of stroke, e.g., those aged over 75 [5,6,7,8,9,10]
In piloting the survey instrument, these questions were found to require too much time in the context of the overall survey, and it was decided that a list format would be used, with respondents identifying from a list those factors that were considered risk factors and warning signs for stroke
Summary
While older people are vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have the poorest awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs in the general population has consistently been found to be poor, with knowledge levels poorest in groups that have the highest risk of stroke, e.g., those aged over 75 [5,6,7,8,9,10]. Greater understanding of perceived risk factors and warning signs for stroke would facilitate health interventions aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from stroke. These interventions do not need to be complex. Given that older people are the most vulnerable demographic grouping at risk for stroke, it is important that the factors associated with low awareness are understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
