Knowledge Of Stroke Risk Factors Research Articles

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.

Association between Family History of Stroke and Stroke Risk: A Community Survey.

Approximately 20% of the annual 795,000 stroke occurrences in the United States are fatal, and survivors face high-risk of long-term disability. The purpose of this secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey data was to explore the association between individuals' family history of stroke and their stroke risk among Minnesota adults attending the State Fair. The primary study sample (n=207) completed a nine-part survey addressing medical history, stroke risk factor knowledge, and the American Stroke Association stroke risk score. Analysis used descriptive summaries and McNemar's Chi-square test. McNemar's test indicated a significant association between family history of stroke and an individual's stroke risk score (χ2=38.09, p<.001, (n=194)). Of those with and without family history of stroke, 87.1% and 95.5% correctly identified at least one stroke risk factor, respectively. Implications of this secondary data analysis is for nurses to target high-risk populations using primary prevention strategies to reduce stroke occurrence.

The accuracy of the FAST stroke assessment in identifying stroke at initial ambulance call into a South African private emergency call centre.

Stroke is a potentially life-threatening, time-dependent event, and one of the leading causes of mortality and lasting morbidity in South Africa (SA). It is of vital importance that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) call-takers accurately recognise stroke symptoms and prioritise time as well as adequate care. EMS call-takers are the first link in stroke care and improving call-taker recognition of stroke signs and symptoms can drastically improve patient outcome. The Newcastle Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) test is a mnemonic aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy of stroke. To assess the use of the FAST test at a call-taker level to raise early suspicion of stroke and appropriately allocate resources to increase awareness of time and decrease delays on scene. A retrospective diagnostic study to determine the accuracy of the FAST mnemonic at identifying stroke when applied at EMS call-taker level. The outcome of the FAST assessment was compared with EMS stroke diagnosis for cases of a private SA EMS over a three-month period (N=146). Using FAST, call-takers were able to identify stroke with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 17.4% (positive predictive value 34%, negative predictive value 74%). This yielded an overall accuracy of 40.41%. FAST is a useful screening tool for identifying stroke at call-taker level. FAST has acceptable sensitivity when used as a screening tool; however, specificity and diagnostic effectiveness are lacking. Further studies should be considered to determine call-taker as well as general public knowledge of stroke risk factors and presentation. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and lasting morbidity in South Africa (SA) and is increasing in incidence. Early recognition of stroke at initial emergency call may expedite treatment, thus improving outcomes. This study demonstrates that the application of the FAST assessment at emergency contact centre level in SA, might be useful at identifying stroke early. Future research should investigate barriers to its use.

Awareness about Stroke and Proper Actions to Be Taken; A room for Improvement

Objective: To assess the awareness level about stroke's risk factors, warning signs, and proper actions to be taken. Method: A cross-sectional study of 600 adults was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Participants who were able to recognize at least 5 risk factors, 3 warning signs, and defined calling the ambulance in the first 3 hours of a suspected incident were considered knowledgeable. Results: The average age was (27.7 ± 11.5) with a female predominance. The majority (59.3%) were able to correctly define 5 or more risk factors, 68.3% of participants were able to identify at least 3 warning signs of stroke whilst 9.5% were not able to identify any warning signs. More than 70% of participants were willing to call ambulance within 3 hours while 86.2% preferred counseling doctors within 24 hours. Participants who intended to call the ambulance in the first 3 hours were significantly younger (76.1%), mainly students (45.4%) and were able to identify at least 5 risk factors (64.5%) and 3 warning signs of stroke (74.1%). Conclusions: Despite reporting a relatively higher level of public's knowledge regarding stroke, there is a persistent gap in their knowledge of stroke risk factors, and the importance of seeking emergency medical care.

FAKTOR RESIKO YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEJADIAN STROKE PADA PASIEN USIA PERTENGAHAN (45-60 TAHUN) DI RUANG KRISSAN RSUD BANGIL KABUPATEN PASURUAN

ABSTRAK&#x0D; Moh. Adib Mabruri. 2019. Faktor Resiko Yang Mempengaruhi Kejadian Stroke Pada Pasien Usia Pertengahan di Ruang Krissan RSUD Bangil Kabupaten Pasuruan. Poltekkes Kemenkes Malang. Pembimbing (Utama) Lucia Retnowati, SST, M.Kes. Pembimbing (Pendamping) Lingling Marinda P., S.Kep, Ns, M.Kep.&#x0D; Stroke merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan yang cukup serius karena angka kematian yang tinggi serta dampaknya yang dapat menimbulkan kecacatan. Banyak faktor resiko yang dapat menyebabkan stroke, terdiri dari faktor resiko yang dapat diubah dan tidak dapat diubah. Pengetahuan terhadap faktor resiko stroke diperlukan untuk merumuskan cara pencegahan yang efektif. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui tentang faktor resiko yang berhubungan dengan kejadian stroke pada pasien usia pertengahan di ruang Krissan RSUD Bangil Kabupaten Pasuruan. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain analitik korelasi dengan rancangan case control. Besar sampel yang diambil adalah 34 responden dengan teknik purposive sampling. Analisis data menggunakan uji Chi Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan antara faktor resiko hipertensi (p value = 0,003), diabetes melitus (p value = 0,040), dan tidak adanya hubungan antara faktor resiko usia (p value = 0,301), jenis kelamin (p value = 0,590), riwayat keluarga (p value = 0,072), kolestrol (p value = 0,427), merokok (p value = 0,433), obesitas (p value = 0,115), alkohol (p value = 0,821) dan penyakit jantung (p value = 0,104) dengan kejadian stroke. Penelitian tentang faktor resiko yang mempengaruhi kejadian stroke pada pasien usia pertengahan diharapkan dapat menjadi pedoman untuk menjaga pola hidup sehat pada masyarakat.&#x0D; Kata kunci : Stroke, Faktor Resiko Dapat Diubah, Faktor Resiko Tidak Dapat Diubah

Community Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke in New Zealand

Introduction: Community knowledge and stroke awareness is crucial for primary prevention of stroke and timely access to stroke treatments including acute reperfusion therapies. We conducted a national telephone survey to quantify the level of community stroke awareness. Methods: A random sample of 400 adults in New Zealand (NZ), stratified by the 4 main ethnic groups, was surveyed. Eligible participants answered stroke awareness questions using both unprompted (open-ended) and prompted questions (using a list). Proportional odds logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with stroke awareness. Results: Only 1.5% of participants named stroke as a major cause of death. The stroke signs and symptoms most frequently identified from a list were sudden speech difficulty (94%) and sudden 1-sided weakness (92%). Without prompting, 78% of participants correctly identified at least 1 risk factor, 62% identified at least 2, and 35% identified 3 or more. When prompted with the list, scores increased 10-fold compared with unprompted responses. Ethnic disparities were observed, with Pacific peoples having the lowest level of awareness among the 4 ethnic groups. Higher education level, higher income, and personal experience of stroke were predictive of greater awareness (P ≤ .05). Conclusions: Stroke was not recognized as a major cause of death. Although identification of stroke risk factors was high with prompting, awareness was low without prompting, particularly among those with lower education and income. Nationwide, culturally tailored public awareness campaigns are necessary to improve knowledge of stroke risk factors, recognition of stroke in the community and appropriate actions to take in cases of suspected stroke.

Does a Mobile app improve patients\u2019 knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life in patients with stroke? A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDeveloping a stroke health-education mobile app (SHEMA) and examining its effectiveness on improvement of knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with stroke.MethodsWe recruited 76 stroke patients and randomly assigned them to either the SHEMA intervention (n = 38) or usual care where a stroke health-education booklet was provided (n = 38). Knowledge of stroke risk factors and HRQOL were assessed using the stroke-knowledge questionnaire and European Quality of Life–Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively.ResultsSixty-three patients completed a post-test survey (the SHEMA intervention, n = 30; traditional stroke health-education, n = 33). Our trial found that patients’ mean knowledge score of stroke risk factors was improved after the SHEMA intervention (Mean difference = 2.83; t = 3.44; p = .002), and patients’ knowledge was also improved in the after traditional stroke health-education (Mean difference = 2.79; t = 3.68; p = .001). However, patients after the SHEMA intervention did not have significantly higher changes of the stroke knowledge or HRQOL than those after traditional stroke health-education.ConclusionsBoth the SHEMA intervention and traditional stroke health-education can improve patients’ knowledge of stroke risk factors, but the SHEMA was not superior to traditional stroke health-education.Trial registrationNCT02591511 Verification Date 2015-10-01.

Multicomponent Short-Term Training of ASHAs for Stroke Risk Factor Management in Rural India.

Background Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years and may be the leading cause of death in rural regions in India. We aim to train the ASHAs (Accredited Social Health activist) for nonpharmacological management of risk factors for secondary stroke prevention in rural India. We tested the hypothesis that focused, multicomponent, short-term training on secondary prevention of stroke enhances the knowledge of ASHAs about risk factor management. Objectives To test the hypothesis that focused, multicomponent, short-term training on secondary prevention of stroke enhances the knowledge of ASHAs about risk factor management. Materials and Methods This study is part of the ASSIST trial (Training ASHA to Assist in Secondary Stroke Prevention in Rural Population). The study design is quasi-experimental (pretest and posttest). Culturally appropriate and pragmatic training material was developed by the study team. Three focused group training sessions were conducted in Sidhwan Bet and Pakhowal blocks of Ludhiana district, Punjab. Results A total of 274 ASHAs from 164 villages with mean ± SD age of 39.5 ± 7.6 years participated in the three training sessions. The perceived knowledge of stroke risk factors and blood pressure assessment was 67.5 ± 18.3% and 84.4 ± 16.7%, respectively. The objective baseline knowledge about stroke prevention and management among ASHAs was lower 58.7 ± 19.7% compared with perceived knowledge ( p = 0.04). This increased to 82.5 ± 16.36% ( p < 0.001) after the mop-up training after a mean of 191 days. More than 30% increment was seen in knowledge about the stroke symptoms (35.9%, p < 0.001), avoiding opium after stroke for treatment (39.5%, p < 0.001), causes of stroke (53.3%, p < 0.001), modifiable risk factors for stroke (45.4%, p < 0.001), and lifestyle modifications for stroke prevention (42.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Focused group training can help enhance the knowledge of ASHAs about stroke prevention and management. ASHAs are also able to retain this complex multicomponent knowledge over a 6-month period. ASHA may be able to partake in reducing the secondary stroke burden in rural India.

A Pharmacist-Led Stroke Education and Screening Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: To deliver a pharmacist-led education and screening for community-dwelling residents, assess the effect of this initiative on knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs, and evaluate the stroke-knowledge and risk-assessment questionnaire as a tool to identify stroke-related health status and identify need(s) for specific clinical intervention(s) to decrease risk.<br/> DESIGN: The 70-minute-long event comprised: brief introduction/informed consent, baseline assessment of stroke knowledge, completion of study questionnaire, single blood pressure and heart rate readings, presentation, question-and-answer session, postsurvey questionnaire items.<br/> SETTING: Four faith-based institutions in the Midwest.<br/> PARTICIPANTS: Independent community-dwelling adults 18 years of age and older (N = 97), 89.7% 60 years of age and older.<br/> INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-minute presentation followed by question-and-answer session on ischemic stroke. Screening for primary and secondary stroke-prevention status using study questionnaire and vital signs.<br/> MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Stroke knowledge regarding modifiable stroke-risk factors and acute stroke-warning signs, individual primary/secondary stroke-prevention status.<br/> RESULTS: Postintervention, mean number of modifiable stroke risk factors (2.6 ± 0.8) and warning signs (2.6 ± 0.8) named improved from preintervention (P < 0.001) including for most subgroups (i.e., self-reported hypertension, atrial fibrillation [AF], or high number of personal risk factors). Needs for improved primary/secondary prevention were identified for blood-measure control and antilipidemic therapy. No disparity was observed regarding thrombotic therapy in participants with AF.<br/> CONCLUSION: The program was resource-efficient, involved student pharmacists, improved immediate stroke-related knowledge of participants including those with increased risk(s) of stroke, and demonstrated value for evaluating stroke-related health status and identifying need for primary and secondary stroke prevention.

A Pharmacist-Led Stroke Education and Screening Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: To deliver a pharmacist-led education and screening for community-dwelling residents, assess the effect of this initiative on knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs, and evaluate the stroke-knowledge and risk-assessment questionnaire as a tool to identify stroke-related health status and identify need(s) for specific clinical intervention(s) to decrease risk.<br/> DESIGN: The 70-minute-long event comprised: brief introduction/informed consent, baseline assessment of stroke knowledge, completion of study questionnaire, single blood pressure and heart rate readings, presentation, question-and-answer session, postsurvey questionnaire items.<br/> SETTING: Four faith-based institutions in the Midwest.<br/> PARTICIPANTS: Independent community-dwelling adults 18 years of age and older (N = 97), 89.7% 60 years of age and older.<br/> INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-minute presentation followed by question-and-answer session on ischemic stroke. Screening for primary and secondary stroke-prevention status using study questionnaire and vital signs.<br/> MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Stroke knowledge regarding modifiable stroke-risk factors and acute stroke-warning signs, individual primary/secondary stroke-prevention status.<br/> RESULTS: Postintervention, mean number of modifiable stroke risk factors (2.6 ± 0.8) and warning signs (2.6 ± 0.8) named improved from preintervention (P < 0.001) including for most subgroups (i.e., self-reported hypertension, atrial fibrillation [AF], or high number of personal risk factors). Needs for improved primary/secondary prevention were identified for blood-measure control and antilipidemic therapy. No disparity was observed regarding thrombotic therapy in participants with AF.<br/> CONCLUSION: The program was resource-efficient, involved student pharmacists, improved immediate stroke-related knowledge of participants including those with increased risk(s) of stroke, and demonstrated value for evaluating stroke-related health status and identifying need for primary and secondary stroke prevention.

Abstract TP177: The Concept of Interdisciplinary Stroke Clinic With Physical Therapy: A Single Institution Experience

Background: Stroke survivors need therapy services to recover; however, coordination of therapy may not occur over time. An interdisciplinary stroke clinic (ISC) can improve communication and identify patients who have not reached their full recovery potential. We instituted an ISC with physical therapy (PT) to evaluate post-stroke or TIA survivors on the same day of the stroke clinic visit to determine if patients needed additional therapy. Methods: Patients with diagnosis of stroke or TIA seen in the ISC from 05/17 - 05/18 were included. Based on recommendations from the American Physical Therapy Association and AHA/ASA, the PT evaluation included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Ten Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Form Stroke Impact Scale (SF-SIS) and assessment of the patient’s knowledge of stroke risk factors and prevention. The physical therapist determined if the patient met criteria for additional therapy. Results: Among 161 patients in the study, 84% were ischemic stroke, 12% hemorrhagic stroke, and 4% TIA. The mean age was 63±14 years and there were 56% women and 75% Whites. At the time of therapy evaluation, 38% of patients were in the acute phase of recovery (0-6 months) and 62% in chronic phase (&gt;6 months) of recovery from stroke or TIA. BBS was performed in 86%, median score 50 (41-54); 6MWT in 81%, median percent impaired 27(11-46), comfortable 10MWT in 86%, median 0.93 (0.72-1.11)m/s; fast 10MWT in 83%, median 1.31 (0.96-1.60)m/s; SF-SIS in 86%, median 33 (28-38), and SF-SIS stroke recovery rating in 81%, median 80% (50-90). Follow-up services were recommended for 62% of patients - PT (53%), occupational therapy (20%), and speech therapy (9%). Follow-up therapy recommendations were not associated with type of stroke (p=0.80, 68% hemorrhagic stroke, 61% ischemic stroke, and 67% TIA) or when stroke/TIA occurred in the past [p=0.24, 68% among patients in acute phase and 59% among patients in chronic phase of recovery]. Conclusion: In our pilot study, there was a need for follow-up services in 62% of patients due to functional limitations as determined by PT evaluation. It included patients in acute and chronic phase of recovery. Frequent therapy assessments may be needed for stroke survivors to help reach their best recovery potential.

Difference in Stroke Knowledge between Rural and Urban Communities in a Developing Country after Community-Based Stroke Educational Campaigns: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in Mexico. Poor ability to identify signs and symptoms of ischemic stroke leads to longer hospital arrival times and precludes prompt treatment. The knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in rural population is scarce. Since 2010, Stroke Education Campaigns are performed with a community-based approach. The aim of this study was to assess and compare stroke knowledge in rural and urban communities. Methods: During World Stroke Campaign, a standardized questionnaire to assess knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs was applied in urban and non-urban communities of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Results: A total of 4,144 surveys were collected. Mean age was 44.2 ± 16.1 and 75.9% were women. People from rural and semi-urban areas mentioned > 3 risk factors (p < 0.001) and warning signs (p < 0.001) compared to the urban area. After logistic regression analysis, having received previous information about stroke remained significant for the knowledge of > 3 stroke risk factors and warning signs (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.997–2.727; p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.880–3.787) respectively. Conclusions: Rural and semi-urban regions performed better than the urban population. Receiving stroke information is a determinant factor for stroke knowledge. Stroke Educational Campaigns are a cost-effective method for raising stroke awareness, thus reducing stroke burden.

Awareness of stroke and assessment of knowledge of risk factors among stroke survivors in a tertiary care level hospital

Stroke is one of the leading causes of the death worldwide. Those who survive suffer with disability affecting their quality of life. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and awareness of stroke symptoms would reduce the incidence of stroke for the first time or recurrent. Also timely management would remains instrumental in reducing morbidity and mortality from stroke. The aim of the study was to examine knowledge of stroke, risk factors and its determinants among stroke survivors. An ongoing cross-sectional study in PMR department. Consenting stroke survivors attending the OPD and satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Subjects were interviewed through a structured proforma, which included questions to assess their knowledge regarding stroke and risk factors A total of 100 subjects enrolled for the study. Mean age of subjects was 55.6 ± 6.8 years, M:F ratio was 7:1 & mean duration of stroke was 18.10 ± 12.2 months. Only 12% reported to specialized care within the window period. Almost 80% were unable to name a warning sign of stroke. Hypertension (80%), diabetes mellitus (42%), and smoking (23%) were identified as major risk factors. The knowledge of the risk factors was also very low and varies among the subjects depending on age and level of education. Forty-three percent could not name a single risk factor. It was also observed that management of risk factors were not appropriate in 55% of stroke survivors despite treatment either due to non adherence to the medication, improper follow-up, diet, lifestyle changes and education. Knowledge about stroke and risk factors were relatively poor. Large gaps in knowledge thereby place patients at high risk for stroke. Our finding highlights the need to develop stroke-education programs for stroke survivors as well for those high risk for stroke.

Abstract WP375: Knowledge of Warning Signs and Risk Factors Among Rural Population in Central Pennsylvania

Background: Good knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors reduces prehospital delay and increases stroke survival. The goal of this study was to identify public stroke knowledge in a rural area in central Pennsylvania. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, people attending the 2016 Sullivan County Health Fair in Pennsylvania were interviewed to assess their knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. A structured closed-ended multiple choice questionnaire was administered. Respondents answered questions about stroke warning signs and risk factors. Further questions asked about their reaction to acute stroke and the source of their stroke knowledge. Results: Out of 163 respondents, 85% of respondents selected ≥3 (out of 4) correct stroke warning signs, and 72% of respondents selected ≥3 (out of 5) correct stroke risk factors. About one-third of respondents selected neck pain or chest pain as a stroke warning sign. Identification of ≥ 1 (out of 3) wrong stroke warning signs were significantly lower among the respondents of post graduate level education in comparison with other literacy groups (23%, P&lt;0.001). 96% of respondents chose “call 911 immediately” when responding to an acute stroke. A relative with a history of stroke was the most cited source of information. Multivariate analysis found that higher level of education increases odds of knowledge of ≥3 correct stroke risk factors. Knowing anyone with stroke was related to familiarity with life-threatening nature of the stroke (r=0.205, P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Respondents’ knowledge of warning signs for stroke was favorable. About 85% of respondents recognized at least three stroke warning signs with no significant age and literacy effect. Our results provide some evidence that the subjects most at risk of stroke are the group with the least knowledge of stroke risk factors. Therefore elderly population should be one the main target groups in stroke awareness programs.

Does stroke health promotion increase awareness of appropriate behavioural response? Impact of the face, arm, speech and time (FAST) campaign on population knowledge of stroke risk factors, warning signs and emergency response.

Inability to identify stroke warning signs accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention, leading to potential ineligibility for acute intervention. We report on post-campaign findings (wave 2) of national surveys to estimate changes in population knowledge following a media-based Face, Arm, Speech, Time stroke awareness campaign, comparing findings to those of a pre-campaign population survey (wave 1).Participants and methods: One thousand and ten randomly selected adults (18+) completed the Stroke Awareness Questionnaire on knowledge of warning signs, risk factors and response to stroke at wave 2 and findings were compared to wave 1 survey results. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between demographic characteristics and self-reported risk factors with knowledge of stroke and emergency response. No significant differences existed in the ability of respondents to define stroke or to identify two or more stroke risk factors between waves 1 and 2 surveys (71% and 70%, respectively). Respondents to the wave 2 survey were five times more likely (odds ratio 4.9, p < .001) than those responding at wave 1 to know at least two warning signs of stroke (67% vs. 31%, respectively), specifically those targeted by the Face, Arm, Speech, Time campaign. While significant improvement in intention to call an ambulance was noted (odds ratio 1.5, p < .001, 57% at wave 2 compared to 47% at wave 1), for almost half of respondents (43%) this would not have been their first response to stroke. Less than 5% of respondents to both surveys identified thrombolysis as an emergency treatment for stroke (3.9% at wave 2 compared to 1.8% at wave 1). Although significant improvements were made in several areas of stroke knowledge and intended response, awareness of acute stroke interventions was poor and intended behavioural response was suboptimal. Findings from this study indicate need for targeted campaigns to improve population understanding of the reasons underlying the importance of rapid emergency response to stroke.

Awareness of stroke and knowledge of its risk factors among respondents in Shika community, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Context: Reduction in risk of stroke is possible through prevention, modification, or treatment of the emerging or established modifiable risk factors. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge regarding stroke risk factors and factors affecting this knowledge among residents of Shika, Zaria. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 133 respondents in Shika community. Subjects and Methods: A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 21. Descriptive summary statistics such as mean and standard deviation (SD) were used to present numeric data such as age while frequencies and proportions were used for categorical data such as knowledge level. Chi-square test and Fischer's exact test were used to determine the association between categorical variables at a significant level of P< 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents were males (64.7%), with a mean (± SD) age of 33 ± 14 years, and had tertiary education (46.6%). About 82.0% of them had ever heard of stroke. Only 21.8% of respondents had good knowledge (any respondent able to identify ≥2 established factors) of stroke risk factors. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of stroke risk factors and gender of respondents (P = 0.04, χ2 = 6.25) as well as with the educational status of respondents (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge of stroke risk factors was found to be poor among the respondents, and educational status and gender of respondents were found to be associated factors. To increase public knowledge of stroke, community-based educational strategies based on the results of this study should focus on people with poor educational background.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs among Private Primary School Teachers from Moro Community in Ife North Local Government, Nigeria

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs among Private Primary School Teachers from Moro Community in Ife North Local Government, Nigeria

Public health campaigns and their effect on stroke knowledge in a high-risk urban population: A five-year study.

Background The level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms within a population may determine their ability to recognize and ultimately react to a stroke. Independent agencies have addressed this through extensive awareness campaigns. The aim of this study was to determine the change in baseline knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and source of stroke knowledge in a high-risk Toronto population between 2010 and 2015. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to adults presenting to cardiovascular clinics at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. In 2010 and 2015, a total of 207 and 818 individuals, respectively, participated in the study. Participants were identified as stroke literate if they identified (1) at least one stroke risk factor and (2) at least one stroke symptom. Results A total of 198 (95.6%) and 791 (96.7%) participants, respectively, completed the questionnaire in 2010 and 2015. The most frequently identified risk factors for stroke in 2010 and 2015 were, respectively, smoking (58.1%) and hypertension (49.0%). The most common stroke symptom identified was trouble speaking (56.6%) in 2010 and weakness, numbness or paralysis (67.1%) in 2015. Approximately equal percentages of respondents were able to identify ≥1 risk factor (80.3% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.34) and ≥1 symptom (90.9% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.38). Overall, the proportion of respondents who were able to correctly list ≥1 stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms was similar in both groups.(76.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.70). The most commonly reported stroke information resource was television (61.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.09). Conclusion Stroke literacy has remained stable in this selected high-risk population despite large investments in public campaigns over recent years. However, the baseline remains high over the study period. Evaluation of previous campaigns and development of targeted advertisements using more commonly used media sources offer opportunities to enhance education.

Abstract WP200: Temporal Trends in Public Awareness of the Reperfusion Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in Japan

Background and Purpose: Prevention of stroke and increase in the speed of hospital presentation after the onset both depend on the awareness of stroke in general population. We investigated the chronological change of stroke awareness after the approval of the intravenous alteplase treatment in Japan, and aimed to clarify the effective method for public education about stroke. Methods: The questionnaire survey for all subjects who subscribed for the complete health screening checkup program of our hospital has been conducted in 2006 (a year after the approval of the intravenous alteplase treatment in Japan) and 2014. Then, we compared them. Results: The response rates to the questionnaire were 78% (1,893 respondents /2,433 subjects) in 2006 and 60% (1,413 respondents/2,362 subjects) in 2014. While the public knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptom had not been changed, the respondents who know the name and the way of alteplase treatment had increased during the survey period (12% vs.25%; p&lt;0.001). On the other hand, 55% of the respondents know the endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke in 2014 (no data in 2006). In addition, the respondents who answer “immediate” after the symptom onset for the question about a time to need for decision of consultation had increased (22% vs. 26%; p=0.0075). The majority of the respondents tend to get more information from mass media than medical source. Conclusion: The public knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptom had not changed. However, the awareness of the reperfusion therapy and the necessity of haste in acute stroke have improved during the survey period. Therefore, to emphasize the early arrival to stroke centers and specific treatment should be more effective in public education and campaign for stroke.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs in Patients with Recurrent Stroke or Recurrent Transient Ischaemic Attack in Thailand.

Stroke is a global burden. It is not known whether patients who are most at risk of stroke (recurrent stroke or recurrent transient ischaemic attack) have enough knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in this high-risk population. We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of patients with recurrent stroke or recurrent TIA admitted to Srinagarind Hospital and Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand. A total of 140 patients were included in the study (age 65.6 ± 11.3 years [mean ± SD], 62 females). Using an open-ended questionnaire, nearly one-third of patients (31.4%) could not name any risk factors for stroke. The most commonly recognized risk factors were hypertension (35%), dyslipidemia (28.6%), and diabetes (22.9%). Regarding stroke warning signs, the most commonly recognized warning signs were sudden unilateral weakness (61.4%), sudden trouble with speaking (25.7%), and sudden trouble with walking, loss of balance, or dizziness (21.4%). Nineteen patients (13.6%) could not identify any warning signs. The results showed that knowledge of stroke obtained from open-ended questionnaires is still unsatisfactory. The healthcare provider should provide structured interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of stroke in these patients.