Do stroke patients realise that a consequence of hypertension is stroke?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The specific objectives of the study were to survey residual disability and handicap following stroke. Information on four risk factors, namely hypertension, age, smoking, and alcohol abuse, was obtained. Enquiry was made into the subjects' insight into the causes of their problems.

DESIGN

Descriptive survey.

SETTING

Baragwanath Hospital and Soweto.

PARTICIPANTS

Stroke patients 12-14 weeks post-discharge.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 361 patients were initially screened. Only 54 fulfilled all inclusion criteria, 38 (70%) over 50 years of age and 16 (30%) under 50 years. Ninety-three of the 361 died within the first 3 months; 71% of all patients knew that they had suffered a stroke. Only 20% of the total group understood that hypertension had probably caused their stroke, although 76% of the older group and 56% of the younger group had been told at some stage that they were hypertensive. Of the older group 32% knew the name of their medication, 21% could not name their medication and 23% claimed they were on no medication. Similarly in the younger group, 19% could name their medication, 25% could not name their medication, and 12% were on no medication. In addition 16% of the older group and 56% of the younger group admitted to smoking. The abuse of alcohol in both groups was low, but this figure was taken from subjective assessment and may not reflect the true extent of drinking as a risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Most patients in this study appear well aware of their hypertension and take medication. However, they seem unaware that their hypertension and stroke are causally linked and their hypertension knowledge is suboptimal. It is also apparent that smoking is increasing as a major risk factor for stroke in the black population of South Africa. Patients need more education regarding hypertension and its consequences.