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(Stroke. 2000;31:1230.)
© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.

Original Contributions

Stroke Knowledge Among Stroke Support Group Members

B. M. Weltermann, MD, MPH; J. Homann, MS; A. Rogalewski, MS; S. Brach, MS; S. Voss, MS E. B. Ringelstein, MD

From the Department of Neurology (B.M.W., J.H., A.R., S.B., S.V., E.B.R.) and the Institute for Epidemiology and Social Medicine (B.M.W.), University of Münster, Münster, Germany.

Correspondence to Birgitta M. Weltermann, MD, MPH, Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Muenster, Domagkstraße 3, 48129 Muenster, Germany. E-mail bwelter{at}uni-muenster.de

Background and Purpose—Community stroke education is needed to improve early stroke recognition and reduce delays in the referral of stroke patients. In some regions, stroke support groups are important promoters of regional stroke education. However, there are no data about the level of stroke knowledge among support group members that support this promotional role.

Methods—We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 11 German stroke support groups. The questionnaire asked for stroke knowledge and sociodemographic and medical data. Stroke knowledge was excellent if a participant knew (1) at least 2 stroke symptoms (good symptom knowledge) and (2) at least 2 stroke risk factors (good risk factor knowledge), as well as knowing (3) that immediate hospital admission or an emergency call is necessary in case of stroke (good action knowledge).

Results—A total of 133 members (96.2%) of 11 stroke support groups took part in the study. Mean age was 65.3 years (SD 11.2 years). Fifty-four percent of subjects were female, 72.8% were retired, and 69.8% were stroke patients. Of the participants, 80.3% had good symptom knowledge, 64.7% had good risk factor knowledge, and 79.7% had good action knowledge. Stroke knowledge was excellent in 44.0% of subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed that age <70 years and not having had a stroke were significant predictors for excellent stroke knowledge.

Conclusions—Overall, members of stroke support groups are well informed about all aspects of modern stroke care. Because of their knowledge and personal experience, support groups should be viewed as important partners in community stroke education.

Key Words: health education • knowledge, attitudes, practice • peer groups • self-help groups

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