Introduction
Stroke is an important cause of disability and death in adults worldwide. However, it is preventable in most cases. This community-based study investigated students' stroke knowledge, emergency medical services (EMS) activation, associated risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and prior experience from different educational levels.
Methods
We conducted the survey with a structured questionnaire between March 2019 and December 2020.
Results
Students from the elementary school (n=1,187, ∼13 y.o., 14% with prior experience, 51% women), high school (n=806, ∼17 y.o., 13% with prior experience, 47% women) and University (n=1,961, ∼22 y.o., 9% with prior experience, 66% women) completed the survey. Among the students, the awareness of stroke general knowledge, associated risk factors, and warning signs and symptoms varied between 42–66%. When stimulated, less than 52% of the students associated stroke with hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. When stimulated, 62–65% of students recognised arm weakness, facial drooping, and speech difficulty; only fewer identified acute headache (43%). Interestingly, 67% knew the EMS phone number; 81% were willing to have stroke education included at school, and 75.2% found it essential and mandatory. Female, higher education and prior experience were associated with higher scores of stroke risk factors (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10–1.48; OR: 2.12, 95% CI:1.87–2.40; and OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16–1.83; respectively), and signs and symptoms (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.89–2.60; OR: 3.30, 95% CI: 2.81–3.87; and OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.58–2.63; respectively).
Conclusion
Being female, having prior experience, and a higher educational level increase the identification of associated risk factors and warning signs and symptoms. Stroke awareness should be emphasized among schoolchildren and adolescents.
FUNDunding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
