Hussein Mohammad Khalil1, Nathalie Lahoud2. 1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon. Electronic address: mkhalil.hussein@gmail.com. 2. Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon; Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon; CERIPH, Center for Research in Public Health, Pharmacoepidemiology Surveillance Unit, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon; INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stroke is a global burden. In Lebanon, recent studies have shown that stroke prevalence may be higher than other developing countries. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have poor stroke awareness. Since awareness is crucial for early hospital admission, thereby outcome, the main objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of stroke ie, symptoms, risk factors, and intended behavior in case of stroke suspicion. METHODS: A community-based survey targeting adults aged 50 and above was conducted at 20 random pharmacies in Beirut from May to October 2018 through face to face interviews utilizing a structured questionnaire composed of open and closed ended questions. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. MAIN RESULTS: In total, 390 participants completed the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent were able to spontaneously recall at least 1 stroke symptom, most frequently headache (29.2%), hemiparesis (25.4%), and dizziness (19.5%). Furthermore, 85.4% spontaneously recalled at least 1 risk factor, most frequently hypertension (48.2%), smoking (20.5%), and stress (43.1%). In case of stroke suspicion 57.69% would call an ambulance. Knowing a stroke patient and educational level were predictors for recall of more symptoms and risk factors for stroke. Adequate response to stroke was positively associated with identification of more stroke symptoms but inversely associated with having diabetes. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There are major gaps in stroke knowledge among Beirut's older population. Culturally tailored awareness campaigns should be implemented at multiple levels using different media methods to target vulnerable populations at higher risk for stroke and their families. These campaigns should focus on improving stroke symptoms awareness and actions to take when suspecting stroke.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Stroke is a global burden. In Lebanon, recent studies have shown that stroke prevalence may be higher than other developing countries. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have poor stroke awareness. Since awareness is crucial for early hospital admission, thereby outcome, the main objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of stroke ie, symptoms, risk factors, and intended behavior in case of stroke suspicion. METHODS: A community-based survey targeting adults aged 50 and above was conducted at 20 random pharmacies in Beirut from May to October 2018 through face to face interviews utilizing a structured questionnaire composed of open and closed ended questions. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. MAIN RESULTS: In total, 390 participants completed the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent were able to spontaneously recall at least 1 stroke symptom, most frequently headache (29.2%), hemiparesis (25.4%), and dizziness (19.5%). Furthermore, 85.4% spontaneously recalled at least 1 risk factor, most frequently hypertension (48.2%), smoking (20.5%), and stress (43.1%). In case of stroke suspicion 57.69% would call an ambulance. Knowing a strokepatient and educational level were predictors for recall of more symptoms and risk factors for stroke. Adequate response to stroke was positively associated with identification of more stroke symptoms but inversely associated with having diabetes. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There are major gaps in stroke knowledge among Beirut's older population. Culturally tailored awareness campaigns should be implemented at multiple levels using different media methods to target vulnerable populations at higher risk for stroke and their families. These campaigns should focus on improving stroke symptoms awareness and actions to take when suspecting stroke.
Authors: Erwin Chiquete; Amado Jiménez-Ruiz; Miguel García-Grimshaw; Rogelio Domínguez-Moreno; Elizabeth Rodríguez-Perea; Paola Trejo-Romero; Eduardo Ruiz-Ruiz; Valeria Sandoval-Rodríguez; Juan José Gómez-Piña; Guillermo Ramírez-García; Ana Ochoa-Guzmán; Liz Toapanta-Yanchapaxi; Fernando Flores-Silva; José Luis Ruiz-Sandoval; Carlos Cantú-Brito Journal: Neurol Sci Date: 2020-11-25 Impact factor: 3.307