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Acute stroke patients’ knowledge of stroke at discharge in China: a cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Wang MengDie,
Wang Yong,
Mao Ling,
Xia YuanPeng,
He QuanWei,
Lu ZuXun,
Yin XiaoXv,
Hu Bo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.13148
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , cross sectional study , socioeconomic status , blood pressure , diabetes mellitus , blood sugar , physical therapy , emergency medicine , pediatrics , population , environmental health , endocrinology , mechanical engineering , pathology , engineering
Objectives A good mastery of stroke‐related knowledge can be of great benefit in developing healthy behaviours. This study surveyed the knowledge about stroke and influencing factors among patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) at discharge in a Chinese province. Methods A cross‐section study was conducted from November 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. A total of 1531 AIS patients in Hubei Province completed a questionnaire at discharge. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify the influencing factors of their knowledge of stroke. Results About 31.2% of the respondents did not know that stroke is caused by blockage or rupture of cerebral blood vessels and 20.3% did not realise they need immediate medical attention after onset. Approximately 50% did not know that sudden blurred vision, dizziness, headache and unconsciousness are the warning signs of stroke. Over 40% were not aware of the risk factors of the condition, such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking and obesity. Over 20% had no idea that they need long‐term medication and strict control of blood pressure, blood lipids and blood sugar. Their knowledge levels were correlated with regions of residence ( P < 0.0001), socioeconomic status ( P < 0.05), physical condition ( P < 0.01), previous stroke ( P < 0.0001) and family members and friends having had a stroke ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Most AIS patients in Hubei Province, China, had little knowledge of stroke at discharge. Further efforts should be devoted to strengthening the in‐hospital education of stroke patients, especially those with a low income and those from rural areas.