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Public stroke awareness and intent to call 112 in S weden
Author(s) -
Nordanstig A.,
Jood K.,
Rosengren L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/ane.12293
Subject(s) - stroke (engine) , medicine , telephone survey , public education , telephone interview , acute stroke , risk factor , physical therapy , pediatrics , demography , emergency department , psychiatry , mechanical engineering , social science , marketing , sociology , economics , engineering , business , economic growth
Background and aims Recognition of stroke symptoms and activation of emergency services are essential in minimizing delay for acute stroke treatments. In this study, we assessed public stroke awareness in S weden. Methods One thousand and five hundred residents aged 18–79 years participated in a telephone survey. Open‐ended questions were used to assess knowledge of stroke symptoms, risk factors, and action if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke. Results Seventy‐two percentage could report at least one stroke symptom and 86% at least one risk factor. Only 13% could report three or more stroke symptoms. Female sex ( OR , 1.79; 95% CI , 1.30–2.45) and high education ( OR , 2.30; 95% CI , 1.38–3.80) were associated with knowledge of stroke symptoms. Sixty‐five percentage indicated they would call the emergency number 112 if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke. Female sex ( OR , 1.48; 95% CI , 1.18–1.85) and high education ( OR , 1.40; 95% CI , 1.01–1.93) were positively associated, while increasing age ( OR , 0.99; 95% CI , 0.98–0.99) was negatively associated with intent to call 112. Conclusion We confirm a rather low public awareness of stroke in S weden, poorer among males and those with low education. With increasing age, a lower proportion indicated intent to call 112 for stroke symptoms.