Recognition of stroke-related knowledge among community residents and the improvement after intensive health education: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The high morbidity, mortality, and disability rates of stroke constitute a heavy burden to the society. The level of understanding about stroke warning symptoms and first aid systems among community residents was generally low. The aim of our work is to investigate stroke-related knowledge in community residents of Jinjiang district of Chengdu and to raise public awareness about stroke through an intensive educational program. Methods Nine communities in Jinjiang district were sampled and a questionnaire about stroke-related knowledge was applied before and after stroke educational activities. We analyzed the impact of such activities in stroke recognition and management. Results We collected 1685 valid questionnaires. The awareness about stroke risk before educational activities was 11.4%. The recognition of stroke warning signs among community residents was 29.8–59.5%. Among them, the recognition of major signs, such as limb weakness, language disorder, and imbalance was more than 50%. When faced with five stroke warning signs, the proportion of participants who chose to make an emergency call was 41.5%. Less than 10% of the participants chose to consult a doctor, take medicine, or wait. After strengthening publicity and educational activities regarding stroke, there was a significant improvement in the identification of stroke risk factors, warning signs, and stroke management. The percentage of participants who chose to make an emergency call increased from 53.2 to 82.7%. Conclusions The knowledge about stroke among community residents in Jinjiang District of Chengdu was low. Strengthening publicity and educational activities may raise awareness about stroke prioritizing call emergency after the onset of stroke signs.

Knowledge and Response to Stroke Among Lebanese Adults: A Population-Based Survey

“…It is important to note that there was no significant association between knowledge of stroke and the decision to call an ambulance in our study which is in agreement with a study conducted in Ireland (47). However, this differs from Lackland's et al study which revealed a decline in stroke mortality in the US that was attributed to the implementation of interventions and programs resulting in better knowledge of stroke risk factors, hence improving stroke practice (38)(39)(40)(41)(42). Also, our findings showed a positive relationship between having a medical history of atrial fibrillation and heart attack which is a finding that differs from a study conducted in Ireland where no association was found with the presence of any diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (47) and another research in the US where a positive relationship was seen in participants with no prior history of heart attack (45).…”

“…Moreover, Alreshidi et al revealed that the majority of the Saudi population showed poor stroke risk factors and warning signs knowledge leading to insufficient KAP in 63.8% of the participants (36). Consequently, in primary stroke prevention, awareness is the first approach to diminish stroke incidence in the general public (37)(38)(39)(40)(41). Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs is necessary in stroke prevention as well as the readiness in implementing prevention measures (37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42).…”

“…Consequently, in primary stroke prevention, awareness is the first approach to diminish stroke incidence in the general public (37)(38)(39)(40)(41). Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs is necessary in stroke prevention as well as the readiness in implementing prevention measures (37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42).…”

Stroke pathway performance assessment: a retrospective observational study

“…The OTD stability can be traced back to a level of patients/caregivers’ education still not enough to timely recognize stroke signs and symptoms resulting in a delayed request for emergency healthcare. Some Authors recently underlined the need for enhancing patient awareness on timely emergence medical services usage at stroke onset by strengthening publicity and educational activities [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Effect of Intensive Training on Stroke Prevention and Management Ability of Community Doctors: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…AIS treatment involves pre-hospital identi cation, evaluation, and treatment; secondary prevention; rehabilitation; and other procedures. A few studies [6,7] have reported that the prevention and treatment ability of Chinese community doctors required improvement. Only when these doctors fully grasp the principles of diagnosis and treatment can patients receive the most timely and appropriate treatment.…”