Make Kids Stroke-Smart: A Community Based Interventional Study

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the major cause of long-term disability in the United States. Timely recognition of symptoms is critical. Family members are crucial in recognizing stroke symptoms since <5% patients can call Emergency Medical Services themselves due to inability to speak or dial the phone. This might be of significance, especially, in family units where children have frequent contact with multiple generations. This study was undertaken to assess and improve the knowledge about stroke amongst children. Methods: A community-based interventional study was conducted among 305 kids ranging from second to eighth grade. A pre-test questionnaire was administered and later health education regarding stroke was imparted using audiovisual aids. Post-test was done to assess the impact of stroke education. Components of education included were: 1) What is stroke? 2) FAST mnemonic. 3) Time sensitive treatment. 4) Risk factors for stroke 5) How can they help? 6) Whom to call and where to go? The data was compiled and analyzed using Chi square test. Results: There was a significant lack of knowledge in the pretest groups. The post-test showed statistically significant improvement in all the tested components irrespective of age or grade (p<0.001). Conclusion: Targeting the younger generation for stroke education is one way to improve community knowledge of stroke symptoms thus increasing the chances that the stroke patient may receive acute stroke therapy. Children can also be used as a conduit to transmit educational information to parents and other family members thus further raising awareness.