Knowledge on Signs and Risk Factors in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: There is a pressing need to contribute evidence to the improvement in the early identification of signs and symptoms associated with strokes, and address the treatment-seeking delays. The objective of this study is to describe the knowledge regarding the warning signs and risk factors (RFs) among stroke patients, as well as of their attitudes toward a suspected event, and the analysis of its possible relationship with the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients. Method: A cross-sectional study was designed, in which all stroke patients admitted consecutively to the Burgos University Hospital (Spain) were included. The principal outcomes were the patient’s ability to identify two RFs and two warning signs and the patient’s hypothetical response to a possible stroke event. The possible factors associated with the knowledge of warning signs, RFs, and the correct response to a new event were studied using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results: A total of 529 patients were included. Having a higher education level or a history of prior stroke were associated with a greater degree of knowledge of warning signs (odds ratio (OR) 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70–5.74, p = 0.003; OR 3.54, 95%CI 2.09–5.99, p ≤ 0.001, respectively), RFs (OR 3.15, 95%CI 1.75–5.67, p = 0.008; OR 4.08, 95%CI 2.41–6.91, p = 0.002, respectively), and the correct response to a possible stroke (OR 1.82, 95%CI 1.16–2.86; p = 0.030; OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.29–3.46, p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion: Knowledge of warning signs or stroke RFs is low in the hospitalized patients. A previous stroke or secondary/higher education levels are the predictor factors that increase the probability of knowledge of warning signs, RFs, or reaction to possible event.

Influencing Factors of Stroke Awareness Among Hypertensive Patients in Community Health Centers in Indonesia

“…Stroke awareness in this study is also influenced by having history of stroke. In accordance with our finding, a cross-sectional study among stroke patients in Spain reported that history of prior stroke was associated with higher knowledge on stroke warning signs and risk factors [10]. Another study showed that stroke survivors or patients with history of previous stroke were more likely to have more awareness on stroke warning signs including sudden numbness or weakness, sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden dizziness, and sudden severe headache [32].…”

“…A recent cross-sectional study in Spain revealed that the knowledge related to the warning signs and risk factors among hospitalized stroke patients was low. Previous history of stroke and high education level were predictors which could increase the knowledge [10]. In contrast, prior study in Nigeria demonstrated different findings that the knowledge of stroke risk factors was quite high among hypertensive and diabetic patients.…”

“…The contributing factor for higher stroke awareness among patients with history of prior stroke is the adequate information received during they stayed on hospital, from admission until discharge. This permits them to recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of stroke which could prevent further delay in seeking care [10,27,33].…”

Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke Among Patients with Heart Disease at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

“…This study finding was, in contrast, to a study conducted in Spain that shows that 22.68% of the study participants identified hypertension as a stroke risk factor. 32 This inconsistency might be due to the study being conducted on admitted stroke patients, stroke may affect the intellectual ability of the study participants. Our findings were also inconsistent with studies conducted in Korea and the USA.…”

“…30 Also, our study finding was consistent with a study conducted in Spain and Ethiopia that shows having a secondary/higher level of education were the predictors of good knowledge of risk factors (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.70–5.74; p = 0.003) and (AOR=7.128, CI 95% 2.298–22.108) respectively. 13 , 32 This similarity might be due to more literate can look up about their health from different sources. Contrasted to this study conducted in Turkey shows that there is no relationship between stroke knowledge and educational level.…”