scholarly journals Knowledge and Perception of Stroke: A Population-Based Survey in Uganda

ISRN Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Nakibuuka ◽  
Martha Sajatovic ◽  
Elly Katabira ◽  
Edward Ddumba ◽  
Jayne Byakika-Tusiime ◽  
...  

Purpose. This study, designed to complement a large population survey on prevalence of stroke risk factors, assessed knowledge and perception of stroke and associated factors. Methods. A population survey was conducted in urban Nansana and rural Busukuma, Wakiso district, central Uganda. Adult participants selected by multistage stratified sampling were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge and perception in a pretested structured questionnaire. Results. There were 1616 participants (71.8% urban; 68.4% female; mean age: 39.6 years ± 15.3). Nearly 3/4 did not know any stroke risk factors and warning signs or recognize the brain as the organ affected. Going to hospital (85.2%) was their most preferred response to a stroke event. Visiting herbalists/traditional healers was preferred by less than 1%. At multivariable logistic regression, good knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors was associated with tertiary level of education (OR 4.29, 95% CI 2.13–8.62 and OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.94–12.06), resp.) and self-reported diabetes (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18–3.32 and OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.04–3.25), resp.). Conclusion. Knowledge about stroke in Uganda is poor although the planned response to a stroke event was adequate. Educational strategies to increase stroke knowledge are urgently needed as a prelude to developing preventive programmes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-142
Author(s):  
Marketa Marvanova ◽  
Paul Jacob Henkel

OBJECTIVES: To deliver a pharmacist-led education and screening for community-dwelling residents, assess the effect of this initiative on knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs, and evaluate the stroke-knowledge and risk-assessment questionnaire as a tool to identify stroke-related health status and identify need(s) for specific clinical intervention(s) to decrease risk.<br/> DESIGN: The 70-minute-long event comprised: brief introduction/informed consent, baseline assessment of stroke knowledge, completion of study questionnaire, single blood pressure and heart rate readings, presentation, question-and-answer session, postsurvey questionnaire items.<br/> SETTING: Four faith-based institutions in the Midwest.<br/> PARTICIPANTS: Independent community-dwelling adults 18 years of age and older (N = 97), 89.7% 60 years of age and older.<br/> INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-minute presentation followed by question-and-answer session on ischemic stroke. Screening for primary and secondary stroke-prevention status using study questionnaire and vital signs.<br/> MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Stroke knowledge regarding modifiable stroke-risk factors and acute stroke-warning signs, individual primary/secondary stroke-prevention status.<br/> RESULTS: Postintervention, mean number of modifiable stroke risk factors (2.6 ± 0.8) and warning signs (2.6 ± 0.8) named improved from preintervention (P < 0.001) including for most subgroups (i.e., self-reported hypertension, atrial fibrillation [AF], or high number of personal risk factors). Needs for improved primary/secondary prevention were identified for blood-measure control and antilipidemic therapy. No disparity was observed regarding thrombotic therapy in participants with AF.<br/> CONCLUSION: The program was resource-efficient, involved student pharmacists, improved immediate stroke-related knowledge of participants including those with increased risk(s) of stroke, and demonstrated value for evaluating stroke-related health status and identifying need for primary and secondary stroke prevention.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kaddumukasa ◽  
Jane Nakibuuka ◽  
James Kayima ◽  
Elly Katabira ◽  
Carol Blixen ◽  
...  

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition with rapidly increasing burden in many low- and middle-income countries. Africa is particularly hard-hit due to rapid population growth, patterns of industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Reducing stroke risk factors and teaching people to respond to stroke warning signs can prevent stroke and reduce burden. However, being able to address gaps in knowledge and improving both preventative and early-response care requires a clear understanding of practical and potentially modifiable topics. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in urban Mukono district in central Uganda. Through a systematic sampling method, data were gathered from 440 adult participants who were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge, attitudes and perception, using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 440 study participants enrolled for this study nearly 52% correctly reported that stroke involves the brain, while 57% reported that stroke is preventable. Majority of the participants 75.7% reported stress as a contributing factor. Only 45.7% of the study participants reported hypertension as a risk factor. Only two (0.5%) study participants identified cigarette smoking as a stroke risk factor. Of the eighty six study participants with hypertension only 39.5% knew hypertension as a risk factor and only 10.7% knew three or more stroke risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke knowledge is poor in urban Uganda. Individuals with hypertension had poor knowledge regarding stroke in spite their high risk for stroke. Stress and hypertension are the leading perceived risk factors in our settings. While stress is highly reported as a stroke risk factor in this study hypertension is likely a more amenable and practical intervention target.


Author(s):  
Kristen Lankford ◽  
E. Marshall ◽  
Amanda Pittman ◽  
Charles Ellis

Purpose: Stroke education modules have been added to medical school curriculums to improve stroke knowledge in graduate physicians, and this has resulted in positive outcomes. These findings suggest that similar strategies may be successful in graduate programs such as Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of multiple stroke-related education opportunities on students enrolled in CSD programs. Methods: Seventy-six first and second year students enrolled in a Communication Sciences and Disorders program completed a survey of stroke risk factors and early warning signs of stroke. Results: Risk factor knowledge - 97% identified smoking as a risk factor; 61% identified diabetes; 90% identified high cholesterol; 84% identified age, and 90% identified physical inactivity. Students varied in their recognition of diabetes as a stroke risk factor based on their level of instruction. Early warning signs and first response knowledge - 83% recognized sudden confusion or trouble speaking; 100% recognized sudden facial, arm or leg weakness; 83% recognized sudden vision loss; 76% recognized sudden trouble walking; and 75% recognized sudden headache as early warning signs of stroke. Seventy-nine percent recognized calling 9-1-1 as the appropriate first action. Students varied in their recognition of sudden trouble walking and severe headache as an early warning sign of stroke based on their level of instruction. Conclusions: Most students recognized individual stroke risk factors and early warning signs, but few recognized multiple risk factors and warning signs. Multiple education opportunities appear to enhance student recognition of risk factors and warning signs.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiana E Dossi ◽  
Maximiliano A Hawkes ◽  
Mauricio F Farez ◽  
Maia M Gomez Schneider ◽  
Nicolas A Torres ◽  
...  

Introduction: Stroke awareness in Latin America is scant. We conducted a large population survey in 13 provinces in Argentina to assess knowledge of cerebrovascular disease. Methods: We distributed 110,000 multiple-choice anonymous questionnaires using the house distribution system of a bottled water dispensing company, assessing information regards age, gender, educational level, general stroke information, attitude towards symptoms and treatment. Percentages of each choice were recorded for every question and a multivariate analysis was performed. Results: A total of 12,710 surveys were returned, age 51±17 years, 69% women. Almost 95% reported prior knowledge of the disease, 50% through public media, 37% through a relative/friend that had a stroke and 8% through their family doctor. The Spanish acronym for accidente cerebrovascular , ACV, was the most frequently identified name for stroke (79%), the Spanish equivalent to cerebral attack was used by 7% and 0,4% used the term “ictus”. Only 29% knew about TIA but 69% identified stroke risk factors. Although 73% recognized their signs and symptoms, 11% misinterpreted them as a heart attack and 34% ignored that stroke can present with severe headache. Although 73% considered the disease potentially disabling/fatal, 40% ignored its frequency. If symptoms, 25% would call 911 and 50% would go to an emergency room by own means. Only 63% knew the existence of a specific treatment. Lowest degree of knowledge was seen in young, single, non-university men. Conclusion: This study represents the largest general public stroke awareness survey in Spanish speaking populations. Respondents showed excellent recognition of risk factors, warning signs and need of a rapid response. The population had little knowledge of prevalence, severity, TIA, and acute treatment. Public media appear to have an essential role in education.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Stack ◽  
Wendy Robertson ◽  
Clare Blackburn

Abstract Background: Strokes are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. People with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) (i.e. with regards to education, income and occupation) are at a higher risk of having a stroke and have worse clinical outcomes compared to the general population. Good knowledge levels about stroke risk factors and warning signs are key to prolonging life and reducing health issues caused by stroke. This systematic review examined differences in knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs with regards to SEP in the WHO European region. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and free text, combining search terms with Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers selected studies in two stages (title and abstract, and full-text), and screened reference lists of included studies. Only studies in English and based in the WHO European region were included. Results: Screening identified 2,118 records. In the final review, 20 articles were included, with 67,309 study participants between them. Out of 17 studies that looked at stroke risk factors, 11 found increasing knowledge to be associated with higher SEP, four found no difference by SEP, one showed a mixed pattern and one outlier study found increasing knowledge of risk factors to be associated with a lower SEP. Out of 19 studies that looked at stroke warning signs or symptoms, 15 found there to be better knowledge of warning signs with a higher SEP, three found there to be no difference, and the same outlier study found increasing knowledge of warning signs with a lower SEP. Studies that seemed to have a higher quality rating found increasing knowledge of stroke with a higher SEP. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of studies. Conclusions: In the WHO European region, better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs is associated with a higher SEP. Public health campaigns and educational interventions aiming to increase stroke knowledge should be targeted at people with a lower SEP.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy E Madsen ◽  
Jane C Khoury ◽  
Kathleen S Alwell ◽  
Opeolu M Adeoye ◽  
Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa ◽  
...  

Background: Data from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study (GCNKSS) have demonstrated stable or increasing stroke incidence rates in young adults with differences by sex and race, suggesting the need for targeted approaches to stroke prevention in the young. We aimed to describe trends over time in prevalence of stroke risk factors among adults ages 20-54 with stroke by sex and race. Methods: Cases of incident stroke (IS, ICH, SAH) occurring in those 20-54 years old and living in a 5-county area of southern Ohio/northern Kentucky were ascertained during 5 study periods (1993-1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015). All physician-adjudicated inpatient events and a sampling of outpatient events were included, excluding nursing home events. Data on risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity (BMI≥30), and high cholesterol) diagnosed prior to stroke were abstracted from medical records, and prevalence of each risk factor was reported over time in race/sex groups. Trends over time were examined using the Cochran-Armitage test. Results: Over the 5 study periods, 1204 incident strokes were included; 49% were women, 33% were black, and mean age was 46 (SD 7) years. Premorbid hypertension increased over time in Black women (48% in 1993/4 to 76% in 2015, p=0.005) but not in any other race/sex group (all p>0.05). Premorbid high cholesterol increased significantly in all race/sex groups (Figure, all p<0.05) except for White men (p=0.06). There were no significant trends over time in pre-stroke diagnoses of diabetes or obesity in any of the race/sex groups (Figure). Conclusions: Among patients aged 20-54 with incident stroke in a large population-based study, the change in the prevalence of hypertension and high cholesterol differed by sex and race, while obesity and diabetes were stable over time in all race/sex groups. Future research is needed to address risk factor control at a population level and to understand the role of undiagnosed pre-stroke risk factors in the young.


2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (4_Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 7011515262p1
Author(s):  
Donna Wooster ◽  
Kelli Brogan ◽  
Chelsea Ready ◽  
Corey Sharp ◽  
Terese Singleton ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jittima Saengsuwan ◽  
Pathitta Suangpho ◽  
Somsak Tiamkao

Stroke is a global burden. It is not known whether patients who are most at risk of stroke (recurrent stroke or recurrent transient ischaemic attack) have enough knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in this high-risk population. We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of patients with recurrent stroke or recurrent TIA admitted to Srinagarind Hospital and Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand. A total of 140 patients were included in the study (age 65.6±11.3 years [mean ± SD], 62 females). Using an open-ended questionnaire, nearly one-third of patients (31.4%) could not name any risk factors for stroke. The most commonly recognized risk factors were hypertension (35%), dyslipidemia (28.6%), and diabetes (22.9%). Regarding stroke warning signs, the most commonly recognized warning signs were sudden unilateral weakness (61.4%), sudden trouble with speaking (25.7%), and sudden trouble with walking, loss of balance, or dizziness (21.4%). Nineteen patients (13.6%) could not identify any warning signs. The results showed that knowledge of stroke obtained from open-ended questionnaires is still unsatisfactory. The healthcare provider should provide structured interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of stroke in these patients.


2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew J. Reeves ◽  
Ann P. Rafferty ◽  
Alison A.R. Aranha ◽  
Velma Theisen

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