Effect of an educational intervention to increase stroke awareness among Italian high school students: A prospective study in Tuscany

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke in young people shares traditional modifiable risk factors with older groups, and greatly affects quality of life. However, evidence on the effectiveness of educational interventions in young populations, aiming at spreading stroke knowledge and enhancing prevention, is still scarce. We evaluated baseline knowledge of stroke and possible improvements after an educational intervention among Italian high school students, also considering differences related to sex and type of school. Subjects and methods: Using a mixed educational strategy, a prospective evaluation of stroke knowledge was performed in five humanities and sciences (lyceums) and five vocational high schools of Tuscany (students of the 12th and 13th grade). A baseline assessment with a structured questionnaire (21 questions) was followed by a standardized oral presentation, using audiovisual materials. After 3 months, the same questionnaire was re-administered to evaluate the long-term impact of the educational intervention. Results: Overall, 573 students (50.8% males; age range, 17–19 years) were enrolled; 288 (50.3%) were from lyceums and 285 (49.7%) from vocational schools. Follow-up participation was 97.2%. Baseline performances were comparable between groups for most variables examined. At 3 months, all groups showed a significant improvement from baseline regarding reaction to a stroke event, identification of stroke risk factors, such as smoking (from 62.9% to 83.7%; p < 0.001) and alcohol abuse (from 49.6% to 67.2%; p < 0.001), and symptoms. Knowledge of the existence of stroke units and thrombolysis increased from 25.4% to 60.7% ( p < 0.001) and from 35.8% to 84.0% ( p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Our educational intervention improved stroke awareness in high school students. The effects persisted after 3 months. Improved knowledge in young populations may reduce stroke burden in adult life, increase timely access to therapies, and spread knowledge across families.

Evaluating the influence of a 3-min online video on the community knowledge of stroke in four Arab countries

“…Educational campaigns have consistently demonstrated a significant improvement in stroke knowledge, awareness, and appropriate emergency response behaviors ( 14 , 15 , 43 ). In addition to educational lectures ( 44 ), these campaigns have used various tools, including mass media ( 18–20 , 44–46 ), social media platforms ( 44 , 47 ), mobile applications ( 14 , 15 ), pharmacy flyers ( 47 ), readings in schools and high schools ( 44 ), and advertisement in public transportation spots ( 48 ). Notably, mobile applications were well-received by healthcare professionals and individuals at risk of stroke ( 14 , 15 ).…”

“…In addition to educational lectures ( 44 ), these campaigns have used various tools, including mass media ( 18–20 , 44–46 ), social media platforms ( 44 , 47 ), mobile applications ( 14 , 15 ), pharmacy flyers ( 47 ), readings in schools and high schools ( 44 ), and advertisement in public transportation spots ( 48 ). Notably, mobile applications were well-received by healthcare professionals and individuals at risk of stroke ( 14 , 15 ). In Western Norway, mass media intervention effectively enhanced awareness about acute stroke onset, as indicated by the increase in the number of admissions to the emergency room ( 35 ).…”

“…The study stressed the accessibility and affordability of the digital technologies used by lay individuals for primary stroke prevention and considered that evidence-based content improves physician-patient communication and healthcare provision (13). Educating young adults about stroke was found beneficial in spreading awareness among families, raising the alarms about harmful health behaviors, and adapting preventive measures to reduce the burden of stroke in adult life (14). Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of educational campaigns and other digital tools in enhancing public knowledge of stroke to modify health behaviors and minimize delays in emergency transfer of a patient experiencing stroke (15)(16)(17).…”