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(Stroke. 2003;34:e247.)
© 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.

Research Reports

How Effective Are "Community" Stroke Screening Programs at Improving Stroke Knowledge and Prevention Practices?

Results of a 3-Month Follow-Up Study

From Sutter Medical Center (R.P.A.) and Mercy Stroke Center (S.L.C., D.A.W., P.T.A.), Sacramento, Calif.

Correspondence to Mercy Stroke Center, 4001 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819.

Background and Purpose— Community stroke screening is a commonly used prevention strategy to identify and educate those at risk. Although the goal of this approach is to reduce the overall occurrence of stroke, its long-term benefit remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether attendance of a stroke screening changes knowledge or prevention practices in persons at risk for stroke 3 months later.

Methods— A stroke screening event was held following the National Stroke Association guidelines, with health screening, counseling, and education. Knowledge about stroke was measured by a questionnaire before and after the event. At 3 months, attendees identified at risk for stroke were contacted by telephone to determine their retained knowledge and any specific actions taken as a result of the health counseling.

Results— At 3 months, 78 persons were contacted. Knowledge of stroke warning signs increased from 59% to 94% after screening but decreased to 77% at 3 months. At 3 months, 73% had done nothing to change their health practices.

Conclusions— Community stroke screening has modest effects on health behavior, knowledge of stroke risk factors, and warning signs.

Key Words: education • prevention • risk factors • screening • stroke

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