Iranian South Medical Journal (Sep 2006)

The knowledge assessment of stroke in over age 25 years old habitants of Bushehr port 2005

  • Shahram Aboutalebi,
  • Maryam moghadasian,
  • Azam Moradi,
  • Raha Pazoki

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 59 – 65

Abstract

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Background: Decreasing the time from onset to hospital arrival and improving of stroke risk factors depend on public knowledge about stroke warning signs and its risk factors. A variety of programs were conducted in different countries for public knowledge assessment of stroke and its promotion. Methods: A total of 562 persons (66.4 female) aged over 25 years old were selected by random cluster sampling and their knowledge on stroke was evaluated using the revised 11 item questionnaire of NIH/NHLBI (National Institutes of Health/ National Heart Lung Blood Institute of USA). The complete score of the questionnaire was 54. Results: The mean stroke knowledge score of male and female participants were 23.45±9.0 and 24.14±7.8, respectively (P>5%). Meanwhile, the mean of stroke knowledge score was higher in those with hypertension and a history of stroke (P=0.001). Higher education had correlation with a higher score. At least one stroke warning sign was reported by 83.3 % of participants and 95.2 % of respondents mentioned at least one established stroke risk factor. The most recognized stroke risk factor was stress and the most identified warning sign for stroke was sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. Conclusion: Those aged over 25 years old in Bushehr port had a higher knowledge score on stroke warning signs and its risk factors than other countries, including USA.

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