Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke

Marcus B Nicol, Amanda G Thrift, Marcus B Nicol, Amanda G Thrift

Abstract

In this review, we have summarized the findings of fifteen studies of knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors in both high- and low-risk populations. In general, there appears to be low levels of knowledge of both risk factors and stroke warning signs among the communities studied. Using free recall, between 20% and 30% of respondents could not name a single risk factor, and between 10% and 60% could not name a single warning sign of stroke. Providing survey respondents with a list of potential warning signs substantially improved the identification of warning signs. Respondents in older age groups and having lower levels of educational attainment tended to have less knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke than those in younger age groups and those with more education. Public campaigns to improve stroke knowledge are needed, particularly in the older age groups where the risk of stroke is greater.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Results of open-ended studies of knowledge of stroke warning signs. (a) Pancioli et al 1998, (b) Yoon et al 2001b, (c) Rowe et al 2001, (d) Schneider et al 2003, (e) Reeves et al 2002, (f) Hux et al 2000, (g) Weltermann et al 2000.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Results of closed-ended studies of knowledge of stroke warning signs. (a) Yoon et al 2001a, (b) Rowe et al 2001, (c) Greenlund et al 2003, (d) Hux et al 2000, (e) Parahoo et al 2003.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Number of stroke warning signs correctly identified using open-ended questions. (a) Weltermann et al 2000, (b) Kothari et al 1997, (c) Schneider et al 2003, (d) Reeves et al 2002, (e) Pancioli et al 1998, (f) Yoon et al 2001b, (g) Rowe et al 2001.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The number of risk factors correctly identified using free recall (community-based studies). (a) Pancioli et al 1998, (b) Schneider et al 2003, (c) Reeves et al 2002, (d) Yoon et al 2001b.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Community studies of awareness of stroke risk factors (free recall). (a) Reeves et al 2002, (b) Pancioli et al 1998, (c) Yoon et al 2001b, (d) Carroll et al 2004, (e) Schneider et al 2003.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Comparison of awareness of risk factors for stroke and presence (or absence) of a risk factor (Pancioli et al 1998).

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