Public Stroke Knowledge: Those Most at Risk, Least Able to Identify Symptoms

Abstract

Background and purpose: Fewer than 1 in 20 patients with acute ischemic stroke are treated with thrombolytic drugs, with threequarters of otherwise eligible patients being excluded secondary to delay in seeking medical treatment. Lack of symptom recognition may contribute to low treatment rates and is an important focus of public health education. The purpose of this study was to determine if an individual's cumulative number of stroke risk factors correlated with their ability to identify stroke symptoms. Methods: We surveyed adults about their stroke risk factors and knowledge of stroke symptoms at grocery stores and malls in a medium-sized university town in the Midwestern US. Results: In total, 245 adults completed surveys. Self-reported risk factors included high blood pressure (25%), high cholesterol (22%), diabetes (12%), tobacco use (11%), alcohol use (7%), heart disease (7%), and prior stroke (3%). Cumulatively, 56% of respondents had no risk factors, 41% had 1Á3 risk factors, and 4% had 4' risk factors. When administered a six-point stroke symptom knowledge test, respondents with 4' risk factors were significantly less knowledgeable, receiving a mean score of 3.2, compared to those with 1Á3 risk factors, who scored a mean of 4.6. Those with four or more years of college were significantly more knowledgeable than those with only a high-school education, receiving mean scores of 4.6 and 3.9, respectively. There was no association between stroke knowledge and use of a primary care physician. Conclusions: Although it is known that individuals with more risk factors are more likely to have a stroke, in our study these respondents were less able to recognize stroke symptoms compared to respondents with fewer risk factors. Future public stroke awareness campaigns should be targeted toward those most at risk so they learn to recognize stroke symptoms and thus seek treatment in a timely manner.

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

“…However, it was significantly higher compared to rural Uganda [ 13 ] and Oman [ 21 ] (26.1% and 35%, respectively). Hypertension is the single most important stroke risk factor and was the most commonly identified risk factor in our study as well as other studies [ 20 , 22 , 23 ]. Diabetes is a chronic systemic disease with wide range of complications that directly correlate with poor management and control.…”

Awareness of stroke among patients attending primary healthcare services in Abha, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

“…12,13 Empirical evidence regarding stroke shows that improving stroke-related knowledge may advance its prevention and reduce pretreatment delay and disabilities. 14,15 Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the awareness of the public regarding stroke risk factors, warning signs, and timely seeking of medical care in order to identify the knowledge gaps for proper planning of educational campaigns.…”