FAST Stroke Prevention Educational Program for Middle School Students: pilot study results.

This pilot study evaluated the effects of FAST Stroke Prevention Educational Program for Middle School Students, a 2-month stroke prevention educational program targeted to middle school students. The FAST program focused on improving knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms; risk factors; treatment-seeking behaviors (call 911); overall attitude toward stroke, including perceived self-efficacy in identifying stroke warning signs and dealing with a stroke victim; stroke risk-reduction behaviors; and other risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension and diabetes. The FAST program evaluation consisted of a pretest, an educational intervention, immediate posttest, and a long-term posttest at 2 months. A convenience sample of 72 students with a mean age of 13.25 years was used. After obtaining school, parental, and student consent, the FAST program was implemented by the school nurse, health teachers, and research nurses. Results indicated significant increases in knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs and in attitudes of self-efficacy among middle school students that were sustained from pretest to long-term posttest; data supported the effectiveness of this novel intervention. Additional research using a variety of educational strategies and a longer time frame of intervention is recommended to further expand use of this program.