Recognition of stroke-related knowledge among community residents and the improvement after intensive health education: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The high morbidity, mortality, and disability rates of stroke constitute a heavy burden to the society. The level of understanding about stroke warning symptoms and first aid systems among community residents was generally low. The aim of our work is to investigate stroke-related knowledge in community residents of Jinjiang district of Chengdu and to raise public awareness about stroke through an intensive educational program. METHODS: Nine communities in Jinjiang district were sampled and a questionnaire about stroke-related knowledge was applied before and after stroke educational activities. We analyzed the impact of such activities in stroke recognition and management. RESULTS: We collected 1685 valid questionnaires. The awareness about stroke risk before educational activities was 11.4%. The recognition of stroke warning signs among community residents was 29.8–59.5%. Among them, the recognition of major signs, such as limb weakness, language disorder, and imbalance was more than 50%. When faced with five stroke warning signs, the proportion of participants who chose to make an emergency call was 41.5%. Less than 10% of the participants chose to consult a doctor, take medicine, or wait. After strengthening publicity and educational activities regarding stroke, there was a significant improvement in the identification of stroke risk factors, warning signs, and stroke management. The percentage of participants who chose to make an emergency call increased from 53.2 to 82.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about stroke among community residents in Jinjiang District of Chengdu was low. Strengthening publicity and educational activities may raise awareness about stroke prioritizing call emergency after the onset of stroke signs.