Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors among Stroke Survivors in Nigeria

Abstract

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 ± 10.6 years) 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.

Awareness about stroke among high and low risk individuals in Khartoum, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

“…The mean score of knowledge was 22 out of 45, reflecting a suboptimal or below average level of awareness among both high and low risk individuals. This is similar to other studies done in African countries where predictors of good knowledge included male sex and educational status [ 7 , 12 ], while areas of poor knowledge included risk factors [ 13 ] and symptoms [ 12 ]. However, some studies reported contradicting results of good knowledge among high risk patients [ 8 ].…”

“…Rapid identification, quick transfer to medical care and immediate and appropriate medical care are key factors in improving outcome of stroke [ 6 ]. Awareness about stroke amongst patients, caretakers and medical staff has been studied in some African countries [ 3 , 7 - 13 ], most of which revealed a generally poor level of awareness. Locally, levels of stroke awareness amongst medical staff, patients and caretakers in Sudan are unknown.…”

Secondary stroke prevention among stroke survivors in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

“…Other studies showed contrasting outcomes, such as in Nigeria, where stroke survivors with a tertiary educational level were 48 time more likely to be knowledgeable about stroke and more compliant to treatment than those with lower education. 34 This was in agreement with other large cohort-sized surveys relying on open-ended questions in Norway and China. 35,36 However, Saengsuwan et al 25 failed to reveal a significant impact of education on stroke knowledge and adherence to post-stroke therapies, possibly due to the small sample size (140 patients).…”

Relationship between Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Functional Activity of Stroke Survivors in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

“…The gender of the participants in this study was virtually evenly distributed among male and female participants constituting 55% and 45% respectively, which is in line with findings of several studies in both the developed and the developing countries in which even distribution of participants gender was reported among stroke survivors (Oros et al, 2016). The mean age of the participants was 55.16 ± 10.01 and the range was 23 -83 years, which is similar to the mean age of 55.97 ± 9.56 years reported in a study by Vincent-Onabajo & Moses (2016). Majority of the participants were married (62%) as were those employed (51%) which is in line with findings by Vincent-Onabajo and Adamu (2014).…”