Stroke awareness in the general population: knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in older adults

Introduction 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. Results 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). Discussion 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. Conclusion 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.

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Assessing Public Awareness and Knowledge of Stroke: A Case of Kumasi, Ghana

Journal of Biology and Life Science ◽

10.5296/jbls.v10i2.15263 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 121

Author(s):

Yinghua Chen ◽

Adu Amankwaa Isaac ◽

Mandella Osei-Assibey Bonsu ◽

Gasper Neema Mariwa

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Awareness ◽

It Risk

Background: The public awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs is very imperative the in the quest to prevent diseases. In Ghana, public awareness of stroke as well as awareness of the effect of stroke is presently borne. The study attempts to examine the public awareness of stroke in Ghana. It also seeks to assess the risk factors associated with stroke.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional with 220 households in the Kumasi suburb. The study used structured questionnaires to ascertain data and logistics regression analyses to classify predicators on the recognition of stroke awareness, risk factors and stroke warning signs.Findings: It was revealed that, headache and numbness were the major stroke warning signs acknowledged and cited by respondent, and the commonest variable (factor) associated with stroke risk factors is ailing to exercise (44%). The findings of the logistic regression model on the predictors of stroke awareness showed that, stroke risk factors (OR=2.27, CI= CI = 1.52-3.71, p < 0.001) and religion (OR=11.66 CI=1.37-161.01), P<0.02) were linked with greater level of stroke risk factors.Conclusions: Though, stroke is seen as the common causes of mortality in Ghana, but our study showed appreciable number of respondents awareness of it risk factors, warnings signs and the fact that it is a topmost killer. This satisfactory was attributed to the sources of information and other imperative factors such as mounting stroke campaign programmes. Therefore, stroke campaign programmes and health education programmes should be rigorously mounted in universities, high schools, colleges so as to create the needed awareness of this killer disease, it risk factors and warning signs.

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Abstract WP182: Trends in Acute Ischemic Stroke Hospitalizations and Risk Factors Among Young Adults: 12 Years of Nationally Representative Data

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wp182 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Urvish K Patel ◽

Priti Poojary ◽

Vishal Jani ◽

Mandip S Dhamoon

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Behavioral Risk Factors ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Stroke Risk Factors

Background: There is limited recent population-based data of trends in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) hospitalization rates among young adults (YA). Rising prevalence of stroke risk factors may increase stroke rates in YA. We hypothesized that 1) stroke hospitalizations and mortality among YA are increasing over time (2000-2011), 2) besides traditional stroke risk factors, non-traditional factors are associated with stroke in YA, 3) stroke hospitalization among YA is associated with higher mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost. Methods: In the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (years 2000-2011), adult hospitalizations for AIS and concurrent diagnoses were identified by ICD-9-CM codes; the analytic cohort constituted all AIS hospitalizations. We performed weighted analysis using chi-square, t-test, and Jonckheere trend test. Multivariable survey regression models evaluated interactions between age group (18-45 vs. >45 years) and traditional and non-traditional risk factors, with outcomes including mortality, LOS, and cost. Models were adjusted for race, sex, Charlson’s Comorbidity Index, primary payer, location and teaching status of hospital, and admission day. Results: Among 5220960 AIS hospitalizations, 231858 (4.4%) were YA. On trend analysis, proportion of YA amongst AIS increased from 3.6% in 2000 to 4.7% in 2011 (p<0.0001) but mortality in YA decreased from 3.7% in 2000 to 2.6% in 2011, compared to 7.1% in 2000 to 4.6% in 2011 (p<0.0001) among older adults. Non-traditional, especially behavioral, risk factors were more common among YA, and LOS and cost were higher (Table). Conclusion: There was a trend for higher proportion of YA among AIS hospitalizations, though there was a decreasing mortality trend over 10 years. Behavioral risk factors were more common among YA, and there was an increased length of stay and cost. AIS in YA may require different preventive approaches compared to AIS among older adults.

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Does Socioeconomic Position Affect Knowledge of the Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke in the WHO European Region? A Systematic Literature Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-22447/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Katie Stack ◽

Wendy Robertson ◽

Clare Blackburn

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Socioeconomic Position ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Warning Signs ◽

European Region ◽

Free Text ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Increasing Knowledge

Abstract Background: Strokes 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. Methods: MEDLINE, 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. Results: Screening identified 2,118 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. Conclusions: In 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.

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Knowledge and Perception of Stroke: A Population-Based Survey in Uganda

ISRN Stroke ◽

10.1155/2014/309106 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Jane Nakibuuka ◽

Martha Sajatovic ◽

Elly Katabira ◽

Edward Ddumba ◽

Jayne Byakika-Tusiime ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Population Survey ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Large Population ◽

Population Based ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Stroke Event ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Knowledge

Purpose. This study, designed to complement a large population survey on prevalence of stroke risk factors, assessed knowledge and perception of stroke and associated factors. Methods. A population survey was conducted in urban Nansana and rural Busukuma, Wakiso district, central Uganda. Adult participants selected by multistage stratified sampling were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge and perception in a pretested structured questionnaire. Results. There were 1616 participants (71.8% urban; 68.4% female; mean age: 39.6 years ± 15.3). Nearly 3/4 did not know any stroke risk factors and warning signs or recognize the brain as the organ affected. Going to hospital (85.2%) was their most preferred response to a stroke event. Visiting herbalists/traditional healers was preferred by less than 1%. At multivariable logistic regression, good knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors was associated with tertiary level of education (OR 4.29, 95% CI 2.13–8.62 and OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.94–12.06), resp.) and self-reported diabetes (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18–3.32 and OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.04–3.25), resp.). Conclusion. Knowledge about stroke in Uganda is poor although the planned response to a stroke event was adequate. Educational strategies to increase stroke knowledge are urgently needed as a prelude to developing preventive programmes.

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

Neurology Research International ◽

10.1155/2017/8215726 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jittima Saengsuwan ◽

Pathitta Suangpho ◽

Somsak Tiamkao

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Transient Ischaemic Attack ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Warning Signs ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Ischaemic Attack ◽

Structured Interventions

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.

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Changes in Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs among Michigan Adults

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000121338 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 385-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Mathew J. Reeves ◽

Ann P. Rafferty ◽

Alison A.R. Aranha ◽

Velma Theisen

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Stroke Risk Factors

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

The Senior Care Pharmacist ◽

10.4140/tcp.n.2019.127 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 127-142

Author(s):

Marketa Marvanova ◽

Paul Jacob Henkel

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Status ◽

Stroke Prevention ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Secondary Stroke Prevention ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Knowledge ◽

Study Questionnaire

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. 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. SETTING: Four faith-based institutions in the Midwest. PARTICIPANTS: Independent community-dwelling adults 18 years of age and older (N = 97), 89.7% 60 years of age and older. 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Stroke knowledge regarding modifiable stroke-risk factors and acute stroke-warning signs, individual primary/secondary stroke-prevention status. 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. 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.

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