Knowledge Of Stroke Risk Factors Research Articles

Risk Factors and Stroke Symptoms Knowledge among Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Heart Disease Patients: Literature Review

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world and the biggest cause of death in Indonesia. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptoms can improve stroke prevention measures so as to reduce the risk of disability and death. This study aims to analyze the description of knowledge about risk factors and symptoms of stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease. The research was carried out using google scholar search engine and electronic databases, such as Pubmed and Science Direct. The English keywords used are knowledge AND “risk factors” AND “stroke symptoms”. Meanwhile, the Indonesian keywords are: pengetahuan DAN “faktor risiko” DAN “gejala stroke”. The inclusion criteria of the articles collected were articles in English and Indonesian, full text, the Cross-Sectional Study method or descriptive, and publication year between 2012-2022. This research obtained 8 articles which would then be analyzed. All articles analyzed were overseas research reports (two african continent countries and three asia continent countries) and in English. It is shown that knowledge about the risk factors and symptoms of stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease is still lacking. There are 2 studies that report 56 and 77% of respondents do not know the risk factors for stroke. Knowledge of stroke symptoms in the form of decreased consciousness was found to be very poor (7.6% of respondents).

Abstract TP266: Utilization of Survey, Focus Group, and Referral Data to Plan a Targeted Intervention for Rural Stroke Disparities, Prevention, and Care Access

Methods: This project was a collaborative partnership between a healthcare organization, academic institute, and the local Faith Health Network. A 34-question survey (n=54 respondents) collected data on rural community knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. Three focus groups (n=40 total participants) were conducted to better understand experiences with stroke and obstacles to accessing wellness and healthcare in rural communities. The focus group questions centered on barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Thematic summaries were aligned with stroke referral heat maps and demographics to develop a targeted plan for intervention. Results: Survey respondents reported gaps in awareness of stroke risk factors, stroke identification, and emergency response. Lack of motivation, followed by lack of time or energy, stress, lack of access to healthy foods, and community of support were barriers to healthy living. Cost, followed by transportation, access to medications, time, lack of insurance, and language differences were barriers to accessing medical care. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions was conducted for the three initial topics of barriers, stroke impact, and solutions. Dialogue on barriers revealed themes of lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Themes within stroke impact included mental health, access, and advocacy. For solutions, themes emerged as health education, lifestyle, access, and advocacy. Each theme had additional subthemes and direct participant quotes. Survey responses, focus group themes, and referral demographics were synthesized to form a plan to impact stroke prevention and care in these rural areas. Conclusion: A multi-faceted, targeted approach is necessary to increase rural stroke awareness, address disparities in care, and decrease barriers to healthy living and care access.

Understanding risks for stroke and the importance of a healthy lifestyle among stroke patients at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: Stroke accounts for 11% of deaths worldwide. Stroke prevalence has been rising in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where the death rate per 100,000 is 95.93 versus 22.27 in the US. Aim: This study was conducted to assess knowledge about stroke risk factors and willingness to make the behavioral changes among KSA individuals who had experienced a stroke. Methods: A 61-item survey was orally administered to 101 stroke patients from King Abdulaziz Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia in July 2020. Topics covered included: knowledge of stroke risk factors; health behaviors regarding diet, physical activity, smoking, and medical adherence; and importance/barriers to changing unhealthy behaviors and willingness to make changes. Statistical Methods: Comparisons of risk factor knowledge as related to the other variables were made using the Chi-square statistics. Results: Approximately half of the participants correctly identified stroke risk factors, one-third reported poor medication adherence, 20%–30% reported engaging in unhealthy dietary behaviors, and only one-third reported any physical activity (walking). About two-thirds did not think that maintaining a healthy weight or engaging in physical activity were important and one-third did not see the importance of taking medicine on time. Knowledge of stroke risk factors was significantly related to the importance of dietary behaviors and readiness to improve medication adherence. Conclusion: This study found an apparent lack of knowledge of stroke risk factors and the importance of a healthy lifestyle and medication adherence, highlighting a need for broad health education of the public in the KSA.

Temporal Trends in Public Stroke Knowledge, 1995-2021.

Outreach campaigns have sought to reduce the burden of stroke by improving knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) and warning signs (WS). We describe trends in stroke knowledge from 1995 to 2021. From 1995 to 2021, 6 separate surveys were conducted in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Region. Temporal trends in RF/WS knowledge were analyzed using logistic regression adjusting for Race, sex, age, and education. In 1995, 28.6% of participants (537/1880) could name ≥2 WS, compared with 50.6% (983/1944) in 2021 (trend P<0.0001 after adjustment). In 1995, 44.5% of participants (836/1880) knew ≥2 RF, compared with 56.7% (1103/1944) in 2021 (trend P<0.0001 after adjustment). Although still improved compared with 1995, fewer participants could identify ≥2 RF in 2021 (1103/1944, 56.7%) when compared with 2011 (1287/2036, 63.2%, pairwise P<0.05). This decline in RF knowledge was disproportionately larger in women (odds ratio of 0.67 for knowledge in 2021 compared with 2011 in females, P=0.047 for the interaction between sex and study year). Although stroke knowledge has overall improved since 1995, there is evidence for lost gains since 2011, particularly in women. Stroke outreach campaigns need ongoing evaluation.

Abstract Number ‐ 274: Multi‐Tiered Approach to Stroke and Thrombectomy Care in India

Introduction Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditure in India. Acute management of ischemic stroke is a complex, multidisciplinary endeavor that has roots in medical education. However, there is a paucity of data addressing the issue of stroke awareness among the college student population in India. This study was performed as a baseline measure to determine the understanding of stroke and thrombectomy care among both medical and non‐medical college students. Methods Medical and non‐medical college students were randomly selected from Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu states in India to participate in a created survey. The questionnaire was distributed to hundreds of students to assess ability to identify stroke symptoms, knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke‐related neurointerventional procedures. Results A total of 106 survey responses were collected from 59 medical and 47 non‐medical students across various states in India. 61 (57.5%) participants with only 6.6% non‐medical students responded that they were able to recognize a stroke. 45 (42.5%) students with a majority (76.6%) of non‐medical participants reported no prior contact with a stroke patient. Overall, 27 (25.5%) students with 40.7% medical and 6.4% non‐medical participants were able to identify the symptoms of stroke. 59.3% of medical and 14.9% of non‐medical students could recognize associated risk factors. Only 10.6% of non‐medical participants had exposure to stroke education at their institution. 36 (34.0%) participants with 54.2% medical and 8.5% non‐medical students reported prior exposure to neuro intervention. 93.2% of medical and 21.3% of non‐medical students were aware of the time window for administering thrombolysis. 72.9% of medical and 27.7% of non‐medical students were aware of the indication and time window for mechanical thrombectomy. A total of 89 (84.0%) participants responded that the collective efforts of medical society and government would improve stroke awareness and outcomes. Overall, 96 (90.6%) respondents believed there should be more effort to promote stroke awareness. Conclusions Our data provides a snapshot of the general awareness of stroke and thrombectomy care in medical and non‐medical student participants. Based on this study, the need to educate the younger generation about stroke is indeed clear. Further, most respondents indicated that increased collaborative effort from medical society would be instrumental in improving access and outcomes. We propose a basic multi‐tiered approach incorporating public health interventions to improve stroke and thrombectomy care in India.

Assessment Syrian Population Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study from Syria

Background: Based on the stroke mortality rate, Syria was ranked 98th worldwide in 2020. Approximately 80% of strokes are avoidable by managing well-known modifiable risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Due to the high prevalence of several modifiable risk factors for stroke in Syria, it is necessary to increase Syrians' understanding of strokes and encourage people to engage in healthy practices to eradicate these risk factors. This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and health-related perceptions of adult Syrians about stroke.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted between 2 September and 10 October 2022 among Syrians using an online survey to measure their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding stroke. This questionnaire was derived from a previously published article, and the inclusion criteria for this research were all Syrian residents aged 18 or older. The questionnaire utilized for this study consisted of three major sections: socio-demographic data, knowledge of stroke, and attitudes and perceptions about stroke.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: 53.3 % of the 1,143 research participants were female. Most respondents (94.3%) recognized the brain as the organ impacted by stroke. Hypertension was the stroke's most identifiable cause and risk factor (72.8% and 73.6%, respectively). 72.8 % of participants recognized hypertension and atherosclerosis as causes of stroke. 94.3 % of survey participants accurately identified the oranges impacted by the stroke; however, only 50.1% properly identified the warning symptoms. 61.4 % of participants utilize the Internet as a source of stroke-related information. 22.3% of individuals aged 21 to 30 had identified at least one stroke warning sign. 12.58% of individuals with a high socioeconomic position have shown a solid understanding of stroke risk factors. Females were projected to be 1.55 times more knowledgeable about stroke warning signs than men (P value&lt;0.05). It was expected that participants who believed that stroke is avoidable would be 2.2 times more knowledgeable about stroke warning signals than those who disagreed (P value&lt;0.05). Participants who identified more than four causes of stroke were expected to have 14.77 times more knowledge of stroke risk factors than those who did not (P value&lt;0.05).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Our research shows that although knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptoms is moderate to good, there is still a lack of perceptions toward this disease. Hopefully, this will encourage hospitals and other medical groups to continue their awareness-raising campaigns about the dangers of this illness. Stroke prevention and community response may be greatly enhanced by raising public consciousness of the condition and fostering individual agency in coping with it.

Abstract WMP107: Temporal Trends In Public Awareness Of Stroke: 1996-2021

Background: Knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) and warning signs (WS) may improve adherence to primary stroke prevention and encourage more rapid presentation after symptom onset. As a result, improving stroke knowledge has been a major public health focus. We sought to study trends in stroke knowledge between 1996 and 2021 in a well-defined population. Methods: Surveys were conducted in 1996, 2000, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2021 in the 5-county Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region, a population of 1.3 million that reflects the USA in terms of Black race, income, and educational attainment. Respondents were selected to reflect the age, race and sex distribution of the local ischemic stroke population. Potential subjects were contacted using random-digit dialing (with adjustment for cell phone use after 2005) and asked open-ended questions regarding stroke WS and RF knowledge. Correct answers for all years were determined based upon current AHA guidelines and public health messaging. Trends in knowledge were then evaluated over time adjusting for age, Race, sex, and education. Multiple logistic regression models and a cumulative model were used for analysis. Results: Over the 25-year period, 12,322 surveys were completed. After adjustment for age, sex, Race, and education, RF and WS knowledge significantly increased between 1996 and 2021 (P&lt;0.0001), but this was not consistent across years (Figure). The percentage of participants that could identify at least two WS improved significantly in 2000 and then again in 2011. Stroke WS knowledge was then stagnant in 2016 and worsened slightly in 2021. Knowledge of at least two RFs steadily improved from 1996 to 2011, but then declined modestly in 2016 and was stagnant in 2021. Discussion: While stroke RF and WS knowledge has overall improved since 1996, knowledge remains suboptimal and some gains may have been lost in recent years. More research on the most effective methods for improving stroke awareness is needed.

Abstract WP35: Neighborhood Effects On Knowledge Of Stroke Risk Factors And Stroke Warning Signs

Background: Low socio-economic status has been associated with worse stroke outcomes and longer arrival times to the ED. Objective: To determine whether stroke knowledge is different by neighborhood and if neighborhood socio-economic status (NSES) predicts knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) or stroke warning signs (WS). Methods: A survey was done in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Region in 2016 where participants were targeted to match those of ischemic stroke patients within the same population. The participants were asked open-ended questions regarding stroke WS and RFs. Participants also provided their zip codes. NSES was determined based on zip code and census data. NSES was determined using a previously validated index and divided into quartiles. We used regression to determine the association between NSES and only being able to name 0-1 RF or WS. Results: There were 1902 participants in the surveys with non-missing geographic data who lived in 96 different zip codes. Participants were 66.8±16.4 years old, 56.2% were female, 24.4% were black and 36.0% had less than a HS education. About 20% of participants were unable to name one stroke risk factor or one warning sign. There was substantial heterogeneity of stroke knowledge by zip code (Figure 1). There was no significant association between NSES and knowledge of stroke WS. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, participants who lived in neighborhoods in the lowest quartile of NSES were more likely to be only able to name 0-1 RFs when compared to all other neighborhoods (Lowest Quartile of NSES OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.06-1.98)). Conclusion: We identified geographic disparities of stroke knowledge in a well-defined population, emphasizing the need for targeting public health interventions towards areas most in need. NSES accounted for some of the disparities in stroke RF knowledge, but not stroke WS knowledge. 1

Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: an institution-Based cross-sectional study

BackgroundStroke is a global public health concern with type 2 diabetes being one of the common risk factors. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among type 2 diabetes patients is largely unknown in developing countries like Ethiopia. The inability to recognize stroke warning symptoms accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention. We investigated knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes and the factors associated with these variables.MethodsThis was an institution-based cross-sectional study. We enrolled 470 adult type 2 diabetes patients using a systematic random sampling method from four government-managed hospitals in Addis Ababa from 1 to 30 February 2021. The Stroke Recognition Questionnaire was adapted to measure the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms. Sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, and reaction to stroke were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and linear regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms.ResultThe mean age of the participants was 50.6 ± 12.9 years. The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Higher educational level (B = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.101, 2.914, P < 0.001), knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.328, 95% CI = 2.734, 3.922, P < 0.001), and living with others (B = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.606, 2.954, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors. Younger age (B = − 0.021, 95% CI= -0.038, 0.005, P = 0.01), higher educational level (B = 1.873, 95% CI = 1.017, 2.730, P < 0.001), and knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.64, 95% CI = 3.079, 4.200, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of warning symptoms of stroke.ConclusionThe mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Younger age, higher educational level, and living with other people are predictors of better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms in this study. Future educational interventions should target type 2 diabetes adults with advancing age and the involvement of their family members.

Knowledge regarding risk factors, warning signs, and immediate response to stroke among patients attending general outpatient department in a selected multispeciality hospital

Background: The stroke burden in India is very high, and its incidence has been rising over the past few decades. Acute stroke is a time-sensitive emergency and requires identifying warning signs and seeking medical attention to prevent mortality and morbidity. Knowing its risk factors, accurately identifying warning signs, and seeking medical attention within a timeline is challenging to avoid secondary complications. Objective: To assess the knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and immediate response to stroke among patients attending the general outpatient department (OPD) and find out the relationship of knowledge with selected socio-demographic and clinical variables of the patients. Material and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients attending the general outpatient department (OPD) recruited consecutively after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic profile, clinical profile, and knowledge questionnaire on risk factors, warning signs, and response to stroke were used to gather the data. Consent was taken from the patient after obtaining the ethical clearance. Results: Nearly half of the patients (43.5%) had very good knowledge, and almost the same number (43%) had good knowledge about stroke risk factors. The participants identified the most common risk factors for stroke: hypertension (77%) and excessive alcohol consumption (73%). Most patients (92.5%) have poor knowledge about warning signs, and only 7% had adequate knowledge. The most common stroke warning sign described by participants was 'confusion and slurred speech' identified by 17%. All patients were aware of seeking medical attention within 72 hours. Still, none of them knew about the golden timeline (3 hours), its importance, and thrombolytic therapy as a selective stroke treatment during the golden timeline. There is no association between participants' knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs and socioeconomic, clinical, and source of information variables (p&lt;.05). Conclusion: Most patients have better knowledge about risk factors but lack warning signs and immediate response to stroke irrespective of their socioeconomic, clinical, and source of receiving stroke-related information. Hospitals must galvanize the efforts to disseminate stroke-related information involving nursing staff to organize different educational strategies in OPDs.

Stroke symptoms, risk factors awareness and personal decision making in Chile. A national survey

BackgroundKnowledge about stroke symptoms, correct decision in front of a stroke case and recognition of stroke risk factors are crucial to fight against stroke burden. We aimed to assess the stroke awareness among a sample of the Chilean population. MethodsA closed-ended questions structured survey was applied in November 2019 using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Probabilistic sample, random selection and stratification for region was used. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between participants’ characteristics and responses. ResultsOf 706 participants, only 74.4% (95% CI 70.9-77.5) recognized at least one typical stroke symptom. Most (586, 82.4% 95% CI 75.2-89.7) chose to contact the emergency ambulance or directly go to the emergency department in case of a stroke symptom and recognized at least one risk factor (692, 97.9% CI 96.7-98.8). In multivariable analysis, sociodemographic characteristics associated to a worse recognition of at least one stroke symptom were being men (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.96), being 55 years old or older (OR 0.59 95% CI 0.37-0.93) and from the lowest socioeconomic level (SES) (OR 0.33 95% CI 0.16-0.67). Female sex was associated with lower stroke risk factor knowledge (OR 0.64 95% IC 0.47-0.87). Participants who recognized at least one typical stroke symptom and would promptly seek care at an emergency department differed significantly between SES (p=0.001) and age groups (p=0.035). ConclusionsWe found insufficient knowledge about stroke symptoms and best decisions making in the Chilean population. We describe gaps that can be targeted in future stroke awareness campaigns. There is a need to strengthen tailored stroke education particularly for underserved populations.

Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among TIA/stroke survivors in a local Swiss population

Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among TIA/stroke survivors in a local Swiss population

DESCRIPTION OF KNOWLEDGE OF HYPERTENSION PATIENTS ON STROKE RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION OF 2020

Around the world around 972 million people or 26.4% of people suffer from hypertension, this number is likely to increase to 29.2% in 2025. Of 972 million people with hypertension, 333 million are in developed countries and 639 are in developing countries including Indonesia. Complications of hypertension according to the Ministry of Health 2017, as many as 51% of Stroke, 45% of Coronary Heart Disease, and 4% suffer from complications of Kidney Failure and Blindness. One of the factors that can influence the behavior of hypertensive patients is knowledge where the more knowledge a person has of eating the better one's behavior towards certain objects. The research methodology used is the SLR design, where data collection is taken from several research results through the google schoolar website and Garuda portal. Results: the results of the study in the first journal the majority of respondents were well-informed (46.6%), in the second journal the majority of respondents had less knowledge (40%), in the third journal the majority of respondents were knowledgeable (68.6%), and in the fourth journal the majority of respondents knowledgeable enough (55.8%). Conclusion: Based on the four journals obtained, the level of hypertension sufferers' knowledge of stroke risk factors in the four articles discussed, two articles show the results of respondents having good knowledge and two other articles showing the results of respondents having less knowledge.&#x0D; Keywords: Knowledge, Complications, Hypertension.

Stroke perception and risk factors knowledge within Saudi population

Stroke is a highly preventable illness through the control of risk factors. Persons who properly perceive their risk for stroke can promote risk intervention and reduce stroke occurrence. Assess stroke perception and risk factors knowledge in general population. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in Majmaah Governorate, KSA. The study included 432 participants. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program (V.22). P values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Knowledge score of stroke risk factors were inadequate or average (26.9%, 34.0% respectively). Rural residents showed high knowledge; significantly higher knowledge detected in age group ≥ 45 years, university or higher education and employees. Participants had good and average perception of stroke 34% and 56% respectively. Good perception was significantly higher in female and private sector workers. Participants ≤ 25 years old had the highest good perception 40.7%. Bad perception was high in male, age group (34-44), university educated and single people. Most participants had unsatisfactory stroke risk factor knowledge and good perception of stroke. Stroke knowledge is higher among the old age groups, the married, the highly educated, and employed persons. The stroke perception is higher among the younger age groups, the female gender and housewives. Since female and young age groups have poor knowledge and good perception, and in addition, young adults are facing higher risks of stroke nowadays, implementation of an educational program to enhance awareness about stroke risk factor and promote adoption of healthy lifestyle is a requirement.

Knowledge of stroke risk factors among the patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Knowledge of stroke risk factors among the patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Abstract P714: Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs and Risk Factors in Minnesota Adults

Background: Global Burden of Disease identified stroke as the second leading cause of death worldwide after ischemic heart disease. Many stroke risk factors are preventable with lifestyle changes. A better understanding of the relationship between demographics and knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs may help in identifying target populations for preventative stroke education. Purpose: This study aimed to explore 1)knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among Minnesota adults, 2)association between knowledge of risk factors and presence of risk factors and 3)association between the knowledge of warning signs and family history of stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 207 consenting adults who completed open-ended questionnaires on identifying stroke risk factors and warning signs per American Stroke Association (ASA) was used. Self-reported demographics, medical/family history and lifestyle behaviors data were combined with measured height, weight and blood pressure to provide an individual stroke risk score per the ASA Stroke Risk Score. Results: Most participants(90.3%) correctly identified at least one stroke warning sign, but &lt;1% identified all warning signs (FAST+Walking+Vision). 58.9% identified ≥3 stroke risk factors while only 2.4% identified 6 risk factors. Of the highest ranked stroke risk factors(hypertension, smoking, diabetes, diet, obesity, exercise, age, gender, atrial fibrillation), hypertension and obesity were the most named, correctly identified by 64.3% and 53.1% respectively. Females were slightly more knowledgeable of risk factors(63.9% females vs. 51.8% males) and warning signs(62.3% females vs. 58.8% males). No statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge of risk factors and presence of them, or between family history of stroke and knowledge of stroke warning signs. Conclusion: The findings of this study identified the need for public education of stroke risk factors and warning signs as a critical first step in behavior change. Gender differences in knowledge was slightly different. Other demographic differences was not identified due to study sample homogeneity. Additional efforts should be made to increase sample diversity in future studies.

Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke Among Patients with Heart Disease at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and the economic costs of treatment and post-stroke care are extensive. The inability to identify stroke warning signs accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention, leading to potential ineligibility for acute intervention and which leads to secondary complications.PurposeTo identify cardiac patients’ knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs.Patients and MethodsThe institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Close-ended questionnaires were pre-tested and validated for consistency before data collection. Then after data collection, data were checked and entered into Epi-data 4.6. Finally, the cleaned data were exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Statistical analysis using binary logistic regression was done and Predictors with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 227 patients were included in the study, of which 140 (61.7%) of them identified physical inactivity, followed by hypertension126 (55.5%) as stroke risk factor while 15.4% of them did not know any risk factor of stroke. Amongst the study participants, 45.81% of them had adequate knowledge of stroke risk factors. Regarding stroke warning signs the most identified sign was sudden unilateral weakness 142 (62.6%) while 46 (20.26%) of them did not know at least one warning sign of a stroke. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher education level AOR 3.05 (95% CI 1.62–5.74) and Urban residence area AOR 2.07 (95% CI 1.05–4.1) were significantly associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors with p-value<0.05.ConclusionStudy participants had inadequate knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. Educational status and information about stroke are significantly associated with adequate knowledge of stroke risk factors, raising stroke awareness is the mainstay to reduce stroke burden.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Signs in Parakou, a Northern City of Benin in West Africa

Introduction: We aimed to determine knowledge of stroke risk factors and signs in an urban population of northern Benin. Methods: A door-to-door purposeful sampling survey was conducted in resident population (age ≥15 years) of the district of Titirou in the city of Parakou (N = 255,478) in Benin between March 15 and July 15, 2016. In-person interviews were conducted with data collection on structured questionnaires with close and open questions, according to standard definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of good knowledge, defined by provision of a correct response in pre-defined set of questions on stroke risk factors and warning signs. Results: Of 4,671 participants (mean age 27.7 ± 12.9 years; females 50.6%), only 404 (8.6%) knew at least 1 stroke risk factor. Knowledge level of stroke risk factors (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) was related to age (1.37, 1.27–1.48), level of education (2.54, 1.73–3.72), and family history of stroke (3.01, 2.08–4.26). Only 230 (4.9%) were able to cite at least 1 stroke symptom, and this knowledge was great with increasing age (1.04, 1.02–1.06), family (3.63, 2.41–5.49) and personal history of stroke (3.71, 1.86–7.42), and high level of education (4.35, 2.68–7.07). Conclusion: Knowledge of stroke risk factors and signs is low in northern Benin. Greater public education and awareness campaigns are required to address the burden of stroke.

Knowledge of stroke risk factors among the patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Patients of stroke or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are at risk of further stroke. Our objective was to study patients admitted with stroke/TIA regarding their knowledge about risk factors for having anew event of stroke/TIA, possible associations between patient characteristics and patients’ knowledge about risk factors, and patients’ knowledge about their preventive treatment for stroke/TIA.&#x0D; Methods: A questionnaire was used for 200 patients with stroke/TIA diagnoses. We asked 13 questions about diseases/conditions and lifestyle factors known to be risk factors and four questions regarding other diseases/ conditions (“distractors”). Additional questions concerned with the patients’ social and functional status and their drug use were asked. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi square test, while one-way analysis of variance and univariate analysis of variance were used for continuous variables. Logistic regression was employed to describe risk. A p value of, p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: The risk factors that were most often identified by the patients were Diabetes(75.9%), hypertension(83.3%), previous stroke or TIA(81.5%), smoking (85.2%), regular exercise(75.9%), older age(83.3%), overweight (75.9%) and patients with ischemic heart disease (70.4%). Atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis were identified by less than 50% of the patients. 44.5% of the patients could identify 10 or more stroke/TIA risk factors. We observed that higher age, having a diagnosis of cerebral infarction/TIA, patients residing in urban area, high income group, businessman/retired service holder, family history of cardiovascular disease, past history of stroke / TIA were related to better knowledge of stroke/TIA risk factors. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets are important drugs for stroke/TIA prevention but only 20(9.3%) of the patients who reported anticoagulants and 76(35.2%) of the patients taking these drugs marked them as intended for prevention.&#x0D; Conclusion: Knowledge about diabetes, hypertension and smoking as risk factors was good, and patients who suffered from atrial fibrillation or carotid stenosis seemed to be less informed about these conditions as risk factors. The knowledge level was low regarding the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets for stroke/TIA prevention. Better patient educational strategies for stroke/TIA patients should be developed. Furthermore, individuals with less knowledge should be given special consideration when developing strategies and programmes thus improving awareness of stroke risk factors.&#x0D; Birdem Med J 2021; 11(1): 22-29

Does socioeconomic position affect knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs of stroke in the WHO European region? A systematic literature review

BackgroundStrokes are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. People with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) (i.e. with regards to education, income and occupation) are at a higher risk of having a stroke and have worse clinical outcomes compared to the general population. Good knowledge levels about stroke risk factors and warning signs are key to prolonging life and reducing health issues caused by stroke. This systematic review examined differences in knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs with regards to SEP in the WHO European region.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and free text, combining search terms with Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers selected studies in two stages (title and abstract, and full-text), and screened reference lists of included studies. Only studies in English and based in the WHO European region were included.ResultsScreening identified 2118 records. In the final review, 20 articles were included, with 67,309 study participants between them. Out of 17 studies that looked at stroke risk factors, 11 found increasing knowledge to be associated with higher SEP, four found no difference by SEP, one showed a mixed pattern and one outlier study found increasing knowledge of risk factors to be associated with a lower SEP. Out of 19 studies that looked at stroke warning signs or symptoms, 15 found there to be better knowledge of warning signs with a higher SEP, three found there to be no difference, and the same outlier study found increasing knowledge of warning signs with a lower SEP. Studies that seemed to have a higher quality rating found increasing knowledge of stroke with a higher SEP. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of studies.ConclusionsIn the WHO European region, better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs is associated with a higher SEP. Public health campaigns and educational interventions aiming to increase stroke knowledge should be targeted at people with a lower SEP.