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

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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Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs in Ireland: Development and Application of the Stroke Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ)

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1111/j.1747-4949.2011.00698.x ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 298-306 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Anne Hickey ◽

Deirdre Holly ◽

Hannah McGee ◽

Ronan Conroy ◽

Emer Shelley

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Awareness

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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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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

European Stroke Journal ◽

10.1177/2396987317753453 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 117-125 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Anne Hickey ◽

Lisa Mellon ◽

David Williams ◽

Emer Shelley ◽

Ronan M Conroy

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Emergency Response ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Behavioural Response ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Awareness ◽

Speech Time ◽

The Face

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

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/1471-2318-9-35 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Anne Hickey ◽

Ann O'Hanlon ◽

Hannah McGee ◽

Claire Donnellan ◽

Emer Shelley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

General Population ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Awareness

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Abstract W P173: Providing Education on Primary Risk Factors for Stroke to African American Females 18 Years and Older

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.wp173 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Maureen Mathews ◽

David Wang

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

African American ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Public Awareness ◽

African American Females ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Multiple Sources ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Stroke Risk Factors

Stroke is fourth leading cause of death and primary contributor to adult disability in US. Mortality has declined in past 10 years, but prevalence has increased; indicating public risk factor education should be a higher priority. Education is especially important for high-risk individuals Methods: this project assessed knowledge and motivation for behavioral changes in African American females (AAF) >18 years of age before/after a presentation regarding stroke risk factors. A community-based program utilizing video and group discussions was developed using AHA/ASA/NSA resources. A post intervention tool included demographic information and participants’ knowledge regarding stroke symptoms/risk factors. Results are used to plan future education programs Results: fifty-one AAF attended a presentation and completed a survey. Participants were divided into three groups for analysis: 18-35 yo, young; 36-55 yo, middle-aged; and 56+ yo, older. There were 12(24%) young participants, 19 (37.2 %)middle-aged participants, and 20 (39.2%) were older. Prior to educational sessions, participants reported having learned about stroke primarily from television, 28 (55%); doctor, 28 (55%); and family, 25 (50%). Participants identified stroke risk factors as hypertension, 16 (31%); smoking, 10 (20%); obesity, 10 (20%); diabetes, 6 (12%); atrial fibrillation, 3 (6%); and hyperlipidemia, 2 (4%). Participants plan to reduce risk factors through exercise, 17 (33%); diet,11 (22%); and medications, 9 (18%). Forty-four (86%) of participants would call 911 for suspected stroke. The FAST acronym was used to educate participants on signs/symptoms of stroke. The post education survey showed majority of participants were able to name at least one/three signs for stroke, including facial droop, 31 (61%); arm/leg weakness, 28 (55%); and speech changes, 28 (55%). Conclusion: participant responses support literature indicating multiple sources of information are necessary to increase/improve public awareness of stroke risk factors/symptoms. However, ongoing education needed for public to retain knowledge of stroke. Considering cultural differences in populations when designing stroke educational programs is important to utilize the most effective media.

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Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors among Stroke Survivors in Nigeria

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2016/1902151 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Grace Vincent-Onabajo ◽

Taritei Moses

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Effective Means ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Questionnaire Data ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stroke Risk Factors

Background. Knowledge of stroke risk factors is expected to reduce the incidence of stroke—whether first-ever or recurrent. This study examined knowledge of stroke risk factors and its determinants among stroke survivors.Methods. A cross-sectional survey of consenting stroke survivors at two physiotherapy facilities in Nigeria was carried out. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained and knowledge of stroke risk factors (defined as the ability to mention at least one correct risk factor) was assessed using open-ended questionnaire. Data were treated with descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.Results. Sixty-nine stroke survivors (male = 72.5%; mean ± SD age =49.7±10.6years) participated in the study. Thirty-four (49.4%) participants had knowledge of stroke risk factors. Only educational level was significantly associated with knowledge and participants with tertiary educational qualification were about 48 times (odds ratio = 48.5; CI = 7.6–309.8;P<0.0001) more likely to be knowledgeable than those with no education.Conclusion. Less than half of the participants had knowledge of stroke risk factors. Participants with tertiary education were significantly more knowledgeable than those with lower educational qualifications. Effective means of educating stroke survivors on stroke risk factors should be identified and adopted.

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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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