Study on the public awareness of stroke risk factors, symptoms, treatment and rehabilitation: A community based cross sectional survey from a tertiary referral centre in South India

Background: The incidence of Non communicable diseases (NCDs) including stroke is increasing in India over the past few years. Thrombolysis therapy has revolutionized management of acute ischemic stroke. In spite of such recent advances in stroke therapy, the public remains uninformed about stroke s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	National Board of Examinations Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 2; no. 9; pp. 878 - 887
Main Authors:	Balasundaram, Padmakumar, Rajan, Paul Titus, Libu, Gnanaseelan Kanakamma, Philipose, Monet, Jassim, Mohammed, Yasir, Muhammad
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	National Board of Examinations 09-09-2024
Subjects:	stroke thrombolysis window period
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Background: The incidence of Non communicable diseases (NCDs) including stroke is increasing in India over the past few years. Thrombolysis therapy has revolutionized management of acute ischemic stroke. In spite of such recent advances in stroke therapy, the public remains uninformed about stroke symptoms and management. Objective: To assess the public awareness of stroke risk factors, symptoms, treatment and rehabilitation measures. Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional study, designed as an online survey. The tool used for the survey was a semi-structured online questionnaire. Results: Regarding the risk factors of stroke, of the participants, 41 (14.8%) were aware of valvular heart diseases, 18 (6.5%) of lack of exercise, 238 (85.9%) of dyslipedemia, 236 (85.2%) of hypertension, 222 (80.1%) of smoking, and 154 (55.6%) of diabetes. Regarding symptoms of stroke, of the participants, 209 (75.5%) were aware of loss of balance, 240 (86.6%) of speech abnormalities, 261 (94.2%) of facial weakness, and 234 (84.5%) of weakness. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to educate the public regarding uncommon symptoms of stroke, thrombolysis treatment and rehabilitation measures, so that people make beneficial health care decisions in stroke management.
ISSN:	2583-7524 2583-7524
DOI:	10.61770/NBEJMS.2024.v02.i09.004