Metias Maged M, Eisenberg Naomi, Clemente Michael D, Wooster Elizabeth M, Dueck Andrew D, Wooster Douglas L, Roche-Nagle Graham
1 Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada.
2 Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Vascular. 2017 Oct;25(5):497-503. doi: 10.1177/1708538117691879. Epub 2017 Feb 21.
Background The level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms within a population may determine their ability to recognize and ultimately react to a stroke. Independent agencies have addressed this through extensive awareness campaigns. The aim of this study was to determine the change in baseline knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and source of stroke knowledge in a high-risk Toronto population between 2010 and 2015. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to adults presenting to cardiovascular clinics at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. In 2010 and 2015, a total of 207 and 818 individuals, respectively, participated in the study. Participants were identified as stroke literate if they identified (1) at least one stroke risk factor and (2) at least one stroke symptom. Results A total of 198 (95.6%) and 791 (96.7%) participants, respectively, completed the questionnaire in 2010 and 2015. The most frequently identified risk factors for stroke in 2010 and 2015 were, respectively, smoking (58.1%) and hypertension (49.0%). The most common stroke symptom identified was trouble speaking (56.6%) in 2010 and weakness, numbness or paralysis (67.1%) in 2015. Approximately equal percentages of respondents were able to identify ≥1 risk factor (80.3% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.34) and ≥1 symptom (90.9% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.38). Overall, the proportion of respondents who were able to correctly list ≥1 stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms was similar in both groups.(76.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.70). The most commonly reported stroke information resource was television (61.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.09). Conclusion Stroke literacy has remained stable in this selected high-risk population despite large investments in public campaigns over recent years. However, the baseline remains high over the study period. Evaluation of previous campaigns and development of targeted advertisements using more commonly used media sources offer opportunities to enhance education.
人群中对中风危险因素及中风症状的知晓程度可能决定其识别中风并最终做出反应的能力。独立机构已通过广泛的宣传活动来解决这一问题。本研究的目的是确定2010年至2015年期间多伦多高危人群在中风危险因素、症状及中风知识来源方面的基线知识变化。方法:向加拿大多伦多大学心血管诊所的成年患者发放问卷。2010年和2015年分别有207名和818名个体参与研究。若参与者能识别出(1)至少一种中风危险因素和(2)至少一种中风症状,则被认定为具备中风知识。结果:2010年和2015年分别有198名(95.6%)和791名(96.7%)参与者完成问卷。2010年和2015年最常被提及的中风危险因素分别是吸烟(58.1%)和高血压(49.0%)。2010年最常见的中风症状是言语困难(56.6%),2015年是无力、麻木或瘫痪(67.1%)。能识别≥1种危险因素的受访者比例大致相同(80.3%对83.1%,p = 0.34),能识别≥1种症状的受访者比例也大致相同(90.9%对88.7%,p = 0.38)。总体而言,两组中能正确列出≥1种中风危险因素和中风症状的受访者比例相似(76.8%对75.5%,p = 0.70)。最常被报告的中风信息来源是电视(61.1%对67.6%,p = 0.09)。结论:尽管近年来在公共宣传活动上投入巨大,但在这个选定的高危人群中,中风知识水平保持稳定。然而,在研究期间基线水平仍然较高。评估以往的宣传活动并利用更常用的媒体来源制作有针对性的广告,为加强教育提供了机会。