(Stroke. 1997;28:1871-1875.)
© 1997 American Heart Association, Inc.
Articles |
Patients' Awareness of Stroke Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
From the Departments of Emergency Medicine (R.K., E.J., T.L.), Neurology (L.S., J.B., T.B), and Environmental Health (J.K.), University of Cincinnati (Ohio) Medical Center.
Correspondence to Rashmi Kothari, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 670769, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0769. E-mail rashmikant.kothari{at}uc.edu
Background and Purpose We sought to determine knowledge at the time of symptom onset regarding the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of stroke in patients presenting to the emergency department with potential stroke.
Methods Patients admitted from the emergency department with possible stroke were identified prospectively. A standardized, structured interview with open-ended questions was performed within 48 hours of symptom onset to assess patients' knowledge base concerning stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors.
Results Of the 174 eligible patients, 163 patients were
able to respond to the interview questions. Of these 163 patients, 39%
(63) did not know a single sign or symptom of stroke. Unilateral
weakness (26%) and numbness (22%) were the most frequently noted
symptoms. Patients aged 
65 years were less likely to know a sign or
symptom of stroke than those aged <65 years (percentage not knowing a
single sign or symptom, 47% versus 28%, P=.016).
Similarly, 43% of patients did not know a single risk factor for
stroke. The elderly were less likely to know a risk factor than their
younger counterparts.
Conclusions Almost 40% of patients admitted with a possible stroke did not know the signs, symptoms, or risk factor of a stroke. Further public education is needed to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors of stroke.
Key Words: health education • risk factors • stroke, acute
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