Public Stroke Knowledge, Awareness, and Response to Acute Stroke in Isfahan Iran: What is Less or Misinterpreted in Developing Countries

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Considering the high burden of stroke in developing countries, it is important for the community to have adequate information and awareness of this disease. In this study, the baseline knowledge of an Iranian population towards stroke has been evaluated. METHOD: This study was conducted in a governmental hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The participants were selected from the companions of non-cardio-vascular hospitalized patients. A self-administered questionnaire was designed for gathering information RESULTS: A total of 630 questionnaires were analysed. Hypertension and stress were the most frequently identified risk factors (recognised by 83.7 and 75.8 respectively), while pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and anti-coagulants were the least (recognised by 3.5, 14.2 and 15.8 respectively). Knowledge of other important risk factors such as cardiac diseases was also relatively low (39.4). Sudden visual difficulties and irrelevant speech were the least identified warning signs of stroke (45.3 and 34.6 respectively), however, knowledge towards all other warning signs was moderately good (each identified by 60-70). Importantly only 44.2 of respondents were aware that stroke treatment should be started within the first 3 hours. Participants tended to have moderately good insight of most stroke complications and rehabilitation (60-70). Urban residence, high level of education and knowing someone with a history of stroke were significant predictors of a higher level of stroke awareness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that there is a need to improve general knowledge of cardiac and hypercoagulable related risk factors. Furthermore, understanding of the importance of time critical stroke management and the ineffectiveness of traditional medicine needs to be raised in the general community.