Knowledge Among Stroke and High Risk Patients Regarding Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Immediate Treatment of Stroke

Reduction in the risk of stroke and increase in the speed of hospital presentation after the onset of stroke both depend on the level of knowledge of stroke in the general population. Studies conducted on stroke patients have revealed inadequate knowledge regarding various aspects of stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge regarding stroke risk factors, warning signs and immediate treatment. Quantitative, descriptive, comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted on 402 patients i.e. stroke patients (n=201) and high risk patients (n=201) in neurology and cardiology wards and outpatient clinics. Demographic profile, clinical profile and knowledge questionnaire were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using STATA 11.1, with the level of significance at p < 0.05. Both the groups were found to be statistically comparable with respect to age (p=0.280) and sex (p=0.411). 47% of stroke patients and 32.3% of high risk patients were aware that brain is affected in stroke. Knowledge regarding desired action after onset of stroke was excellent (73.63% of stroke patients and 77.11% of high risk patients). Awareness regarding risk factors and warning signs of stroke was significantly higher (p = <0.05) in high risk patients as compared to stroke patients. It is concluded that there is a need to educate the patients with stroke and population at risk regarding risk factors, warning signs and immediate treatment of stroke.