Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke in the Iraqi population: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionStroke is a highly prevalent condition with high rates of death and disability in Iraq and around the world. Knowledge of stroke and its associated risk factors is essential for disease prevention and rapid response when confronted with a stroke patient.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess stroke knowledge and identify factors associated with awareness among the Iraqi public.Material and methodsA questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted on the Iraqi population. The self-administered online questionnaire contained three sections. The study got ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Baghdad.ResultsThe results showed that 26.8% of the participants reported knowledge regarding identifying all risk factors. In addition, 18.4% and 34.8% of the participants recognized all symptoms and mentioned all possible consequences of stroke, respectively. Previous medical history with chronic diseases had essential relationships with the response when faced with a person having an acute stroke. In addition, there was a significant relationship between gender, smoking history, and identification of early stroke symptoms.ConclusionThere was a lack of knowledge about risk factors for stroke among the participants. There is a need for an awareness program among the Iraqi people to raise their understanding of stroke that can reduce stroke mortality and morbidity.

Stroke awareness and knowledge in Sudan: a cross-sectional analysis of public perceptions and understanding

“…Similarly, a comparative study of risk factors in young adults and older adult stroke patients in Sudan reported that arterial hypertension was the dominant risk factor among young adults and the older adult, followed by smoking ( 30 ). As well as previous studies conducted in Lebanon revealed that hypertension and psychological stress were among the most reported risk factors as well ( 28 ), in Jordan ( 8 ), Saudi ( 29 ), UAE ( 26 ), and Iraq ( 27 ).…”

“…Considering recent studies in the Middle East region to our study results, the aware that stroke is a type of brain disease were various among the participants with the highest in Jordan and Lebanon with more than 95.0% of the participants ( 28 ), then Iraq (92.8%) ( 27 ), Saudi Arabia (89.7%) ( 29 ), and the UAE (70.8%) ( 26 ), while the results of our studies indicated that 93.2% of the participants. In related to the participants’ awareness of stroke is preventable, the results reported by the participants were also various among the countries, with the highest in Iraq (85.6%) ( 27 ), then our Sudan sample with 83.4%, then Jordan and Saudi Arabia with 81.0% ( 8 , 29 ), Lebanon (80.0%) ( 28 ), and the UAE (42.9%) ( 26 ).…”

“…In agreement with our study findings, other studies reported similar results ( 32–35 ). On the other hand, better knowledge of stroke warning signs among males was reported as well ( 8 , 27 ). Based on the literature, the lack of consistency in the results of different studies makes it ambiguous to call for a clear association between gender differences and knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors ( 8 , 27 ).…”

“…On the other hand, better knowledge of stroke warning signs among males was reported as well ( 8 , 27 ). Based on the literature, the lack of consistency in the results of different studies makes it ambiguous to call for a clear association between gender differences and knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors ( 8 , 27 ). As well as the multivariable analysis showed that patients with no depression had a significant correlation in identifying stroke risk factors, early stroke symptoms, and stroke consequences.…”

Assessment of Knowledge and attitude towards Stroke among the UAE population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

“…Generally, and to the best of our knowledge, studies from the Middle East have reported suboptimal levels of knowledge of stroke. Most of the studies from the Middle East have reported inadequate knowledge regarding stroke risk factors and warning symptoms [29][30][31][32][34][35][36] ; on the other hand, only a few studies have reported an adequate level of awareness. [37][38][39] Similarly, studies from different parts of the world have reported an inadequate understanding of stroke in the general population.…”