Perception about Stroke amongst Rural Population in Maharashtra

Background: Prevalence of stroke in India varies in different regions of country and ranges from 40 to 270 per 1,00,000 population. Only one study in India evaluated the perception of warning signs of stroke and its risk factors. Amount of evidence available with this respect is very low and there is a need for extensive research. Method: In this prospective study 600 subjects from Loni, Maharashtra were handed over a multiple choice questionnaire in the local language that addressed questions regarding warning signs and risk factors of stroke and sources of information regarding stroke. Results: Awareness for stroke was considerably low with only 51% subjects being able to recognize brain as the organ responsible for stroke. Knowledge of risk factors was moderate with 66% participants being able to establish at least 1 risk factor. Weakness of one side of the body was the most established warning sign, other warning signs were however less known. Awareness of warning signs was in direct proportion with educational qualification. Conclusion: The study revealed that the knowledge regarding the organ involved, warning signs and some risk factors is lacking in the population. It is important to bring about awareness amongst the population so as to minimize the long term debilities associated with stroke. Different means of mass communication should be effectively used in this regard to reach out to the rural Indian population.