Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke Among the Adults in Selected Areas of Kamrup District, Assam

Srabana Chandrawali Baruah, Lukima Saikia

Abstract: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and the economic cost of treatment and post stroke care are substantial. Effective stroke intervention and risk reduction depend on general public?s awareness and knowledge of stroke. The knowledge and awareness of its warning symptoms and risk factors is deficient among the general population in the developing countries. A study was conducted to assess knowledge on risk factors and warning signs of stroke among the adults in selected areas of Kamrup District, Assam. This descriptive study was conducted among 270 adults selected by using multistage sampling on the basis of set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority of adults (64.8%) had moderately adequate knowledge regarding risk factors and warning signs (68.5%) of stroke. Gender, food habits and consumption of alcohol were significantly associated with knowledge regarding risk factors of stroke and knowledge regarding warning signs of stroke at the level of p< 0.05. The study findings concluded that health education and information regarding stroke risk factors and warning signs can prevent the severity of illness and disability from stroke.

Keywords: knowledge, risk factors, warning sign, stroke