Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy (Nov 2021)

Awareness of the risk factors of stroke among non-teaching staff of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

  • Uchenna Prosper Okonkwo,
  • Favour Nnenna Uzuh,
  • Maduaburochukwu Joseph Nwankwo,
  • Emmanuel Chiebuka Okoye,
  • Joseph Onuwa Ummuna,
  • Emeka Sylvester Igwe,
  • Stanley Monday Maduagwu,
  • Kenneth Umezulike Ani,
  • Uzoamaka Nwakaego Akobundu,
  • Chiamaka Ann Nwanne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-021-00057-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 26, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background The prevalence of stroke is increasing in Nigeria due to a lack of awareness of their predisposing factors. There is therefore a need for good knowledge and awareness of stroke risk factors in the general populations. Thus, this study assessed the level of awareness of stroke risk factors among non-teaching staff in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria. Results Most of the participants were female, 89 (69%), and had a post-graduate degree, 84 (65.1%). A total of 129 participants participated in this survey, and 91 (70.5%) were familiar with the term “stroke.” The commonest risk factors were high blood pressure (86%), stress (74.4%), and lack of exercise (63.6%). The study showed that the awareness of stroke risk factors among the participants was poor (40.3%). Conclusion Stroke awareness was poor among the participants with the highest risk of stroke despite their high literacy level. Female participants, with a postgraduate level qualification and working as senior non-teaching staff, had a better awareness of stroke risk factors than their male colleagues. This shows a need to increase stroke awareness campaigns in the community.

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