Monique F Kilkenny1, Tara Purvis2, Megan Werner3, Megan Reyneke4, Jude Czerenkowski3, Dominique A Cadilhac2. 1. Stroke & Ageing Research, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC Australia. Electronic address: Monique.kilkenny@monash.edu. 2. Stroke & Ageing Research, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC Australia. 3. National Stroke Foundation, Melbourne, VIC Australia. 4. Stroke & Ageing Research, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public awareness of stroke risks and warning signs remains poor. The National Stroke Foundation (NSF) in Australia has been undertaking a StrokeSafe Ambassador Education program to raise awareness of stroke. The format includes presentations by volunteers trained to be 'ambassadors' to spread standard information about stroke to the public. Our aim was to determine the change in knowledge of participants who attended presentations. METHODS: Participants completed questionnaires before immediately after presentations, and at 3months following the presentation. Information was collected on knowledge of risk factors and signs of stroke. McNemar's test was used to compare paired-responses over time. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Between March and April 2014, 591 participants attended 185 presentations and 591 (100%) completed them before and immediately after presentation questionnaires: 68% were female and 75% were aged 65years or more. 258 consented for further follow-up with 192 completing follow-up. Comparing immediately after with before presentation showed significantly improved knowledge for all 10 stroke risk factors and all signs of stroke. Significantly improved knowledge for 7/10 risk factors and 1/3 signs of stroke was found when comparing follow-up and immediately after presentation results. Knowledge of 5/10 risk factors and 2/3 signs of stroke improved when comparing follow-up and before presentation. CONCLUSION: This study describes a novel approach to support the use of trained volunteers to provide a community-based, standardised education program for stroke. This program shows that community presentations can improve immediate and short-term knowledge of signs and risk factors for stroke.
BACKGROUND: Public awareness of stroke risks and warning signs remains poor. The National Stroke Foundation (NSF) in Australia has been undertaking a StrokeSafe Ambassador Education program to raise awareness of stroke. The format includes presentations by volunteers trained to be 'ambassadors' to spread standard information about stroke to the public. Our aim was to determine the change in knowledge of participants who attended presentations. METHODS:Participants completed questionnaires before immediately after presentations, and at 3months following the presentation. Information was collected on knowledge of risk factors and signs of stroke. McNemar's test was used to compare paired-responses over time. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Between March and April 2014, 591 participants attended 185 presentations and 591 (100%) completed them before and immediately after presentation questionnaires: 68% were female and 75% were aged 65years or more. 258 consented for further follow-up with 192 completing follow-up. Comparing immediately after with before presentation showed significantly improved knowledge for all 10 stroke risk factors and all signs of stroke. Significantly improved knowledge for 7/10 risk factors and 1/3 signs of stroke was found when comparing follow-up and immediately after presentation results. Knowledge of 5/10 risk factors and 2/3 signs of stroke improved when comparing follow-up and before presentation. CONCLUSION: This study describes a novel approach to support the use of trained volunteers to provide a community-based, standardised education program for stroke. This program shows that community presentations can improve immediate and short-term knowledge of signs and risk factors for stroke.
Authors: Vivian Weiqun Lou; Jennifer Yee Man Tang; Gary Kui Kai Lau; Terry Yat Sang Lum; Kenneth Fong; Rachel Wai Tung Ko; Clio Yuen Man Cheng; Joyce Yinqi Fu; Eddie Siu Lun Chow; Angus Chun Kwok Chu; Elsie Hui; Winnie Wing Ling Ng; Felix Hon Wai Chan; C C Luk; T K Kwok Journal: JMIR Res Protoc Date: 2021-05-28
Authors: Shyam Prabhakaran; Christopher T Richards; Soyang Kwon; Erin Wymore; Sarah Song; Amy Eisenstein; Jen Brown; Namratha R Kandula; Maryann Mason; Heather Beckstrom; Knitasha V Washington; Neelum T Aggarwal Journal: J Am Heart Assoc Date: 2020-09-06 Impact factor: 5.501