BACKGROUND: Inability to recognize stroke warning signs and delay in seeking medical attention for recognized symptoms contribute to treatment delay, thus limiting the potential for intervention and impacting negatively on potential stroke outcome. AIM: To examine knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the adult population in Ireland. METHODS: In 2009, 1000 members of the general public were interviewed by telephone using quota-based population sampling of adults (≥18 years). Information was gathered using the Stroke Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ). RESULTS: 71% of participants could correctly list two or more risk factors for stroke, typically generic lifestyle risk factors. Two-thirds could not identify two warning signs for stroke. While 31% could identify two or more stroke warning signs, there was no consistency in warning signs identified. Less than 50% stated they would call an ambulance if having a stroke. Overall, there were significant gaps in knowledge, with poorest levels evident in those aged ≥65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Survey findings provide first evidence on levels of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the Irish adult population. Awareness of stroke warning signs was poor, as was awareness of the need to call emergency services and the potential for acute stroke intervention. These factors contribute to delay in seeking medical attention following stroke, with resulting implications for stroke outcome.
BACKGROUND: Inability to recognize stroke warning signs and delay in seeking medical attention for recognized symptoms contribute to treatment delay, thus limiting the potential for intervention and impacting negatively on potential stroke outcome. AIM: To examine knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the adult population in Ireland. METHODS: In 2009, 1000 members of the general public were interviewed by telephone using quota-based population sampling of adults (≥18 years). Information was gathered using the Stroke Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ). RESULTS: 71% of participants could correctly list two or more risk factors for stroke, typically generic lifestyle risk factors. Two-thirds could not identify two warning signs for stroke. While 31% could identify two or more stroke warning signs, there was no consistency in warning signs identified. Less than 50% stated they would call an ambulance if having a stroke. Overall, there were significant gaps in knowledge, with poorest levels evident in those aged ≥65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Survey findings provide first evidence on levels of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the Irish adult population. Awareness of stroke warning signs was poor, as was awareness of the need to call emergency services and the potential for acute stroke intervention. These factors contribute to delay in seeking medical attention following stroke, with resulting implications for stroke outcome.
Authors: Li Yang; Qiuli Zhao; Xuemei Zhu; Xiaoying Shen; Yulan Zhu; Liu Yang; Wei Gao; Minghui Li Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2017-04-11 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Angela M Malek; Robert J Adams; Ellen Debenham; Andrea D Boan; Abby S Kazley; Hyacinth I Hyacinth; Jenifer H Voeks; Daniel T Lackland Journal: J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis Date: 2014-09-10 Impact factor: 2.136
Authors: Ruth M Mellor; James P Sheppard; Elizabeth Bates; George Bouliotis; Janet Jones; Satinder Singh; John Skelton; Connie Wiskin; Richard J McManus Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2015-07 Impact factor: 5.386