Hypertensive Patients' Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model to Estimate the Risk of Stroke Among Hypertensive Patients in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, 2012 to 2022

Background

A risk prediction model to predict the risk of stroke has been developed for hypertensive patients. However, the discriminating power is poor, and the predictors are not easily accessible in low-income countries. Therefore, developing a validated risk prediction model to estimate the risk of stroke could help physicians to choose optimal treatment and precisely estimate the risk of stroke.

Objective

This study aims to develop and validate a risk prediction model to estimate the risk of stroke among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 743 hypertensive patients between September 01/2012 and January 31/2022. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Model performance was evaluated using discrimination, calibration, and Brier scores. Internal validity and clinical utility were evaluated using bootstrapping and a decision curve analysis.

Results

Incidence of stroke was 31.4 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 26.0, 37.7). Combinations of six predictors were selected for model development (sex, residence, baseline diastolic blood pressure, comorbidity, diabetes, and uncontrolled hypertension). In multivariable logistic regression, the discriminatory power of the model was 0.973 (95% CI: 0.959, 0.987). Calibration plot illustrated an overlap between the probabilities of the predicted and actual observed risks after 10,000 times bootstrap re-sampling, with a sensitivity of 92.79%, specificity 93.51%, and accuracy of 93.41%. The decision curve analysis demonstrated that the net benefit of the model was better than other intervention strategies, starting from the initial point.

Conclusion

An internally validated, accurate prediction model was developed and visualized in a nomogram. The model is then changed to an offline mobile web-based application to facilitate clinical applicability. The authors recommend that other researchers eternally validate the model.

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the stroke knowledge test for the hypertension patient

The measurement of hypertensive patients' stroke knowledge is an important stroke prevention indicator of health care service quality. The aim of this study was to develop a Chinese version of the Stroke Knowledge Test and examine its psychometric properties, reliability, and validity for hypertensive patients. A sample of 200 hypertensive patients completed the Chinese version of the Stroke Knowledge Test, and 30 of the participants were retested after 2 weeks. The final Chinese version of the Stroke Knowledge Test included 20 items with acceptable content validity (I-CVI = 0.88 ~ 1.00, S-CVI/Ave = 0.97). These items showed satisfactory internal reliability consistency (Kuder Richardson-20 = 0.62) and test-retest reliability was 0.77. The 40% of the difficulty index was in the acceptable range, and 25% was in the difficult range, as well as the 90% items overall values for discrimination were ranged from 0.2 to > 0.4. Known-group validity testing was performed based on the education level, and the result exhibited significant difference (F = 21.21, p < 0.001). The Chinese version of the Stroke Knowledge Test demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, thus providing a new tool for the future care of hypertensive patients in Taiwan. It also could be as a reference for healthcare providers to educate hypertensive patients on stroke prevention.

Stroke related knowledge, prevention practices and associated factors among stroke patients in Taizhou, China

Stroke is characterized by high morbidity, high mortality and high disability rate, which is a major health problem worldwide. However, most community-based studies report a lack of public knowledge related to stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate stroke-related knowledge and prevention practices among stroke patients in Taizhou, China. A face-to-face survey was conducted and questionnaires were completed by 156 S patients from June 27 to August 30, 2022. A generalized linear model was applied to explore the factors influencing prevention practices. Among the total participants, 36.5% and 40.4% of them had good knowledge of the stroke-related warning signs and risk factors, respectively. Participants who had good stroke prevention practices accounted for 57.7%. The higher score of stroke-related knowledge among inpatients, the better their prevention practices (B = 0.16, 95 %CI: 0.05 ∼ 0.28). In addition, those with age ≥ 60 (B = 1.20, 95 %CI: 0.42 ∼ 1.97), females (B = 0.93, 95 %CI: 0.24 ∼ 1.61), having physical activities (B = 1.01, 95 %CI: 0.33 ∼ 1.68), or without underlying diseases (B = -1.67, 95 %CI:-2.42 ∼ -0.92) were also related with prevention practices. In general, this survey indicated that the stroke-related knowledge and prevention practices of participants were not good enough. Stroke related knowledge, age, sex, physical activity, and underlying disease were significant factors related to stroke prevention practices. These findings suggest the need to focus on stroke health education for stroke patients.

Incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, a retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Globally, one in three adults has hypertension, a condition that causes 51% of all deaths from stroke. Stroke is becoming a major public health problem and the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases in the world and Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assesses the incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2021.

METHODS

A hospital-based retrospective follow-up study design was used, simple random sampling technique was used to select 583 hypertensive patients that had follow-up registration between January 2018 and December 30th, 2020. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14. The adjusted hazard ratio for each predictor with a 95% confidence interval was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and a P-value ≤  0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.

RESULTS

From 583 hypertensive patients 106(18.18%) [95% CI 15-20] were developed stroke. The overall incidence rate was 1 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.79-1.19). Comorbidities (Adjusted hazard ratio(AHR): 1.88, 95% CI 1.0-3.5), stage two hypertension (AHR = 5.21, 95%CI 2.75-9.8), uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (AHR: 2, 95% CI 1.21-354), uncontrolled diastolic blood pressure (AHR:1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.57), alcohol consumption (AHR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.2-3.49), age 45-65 (AHR = 10.25, 95%CI 7.47-11.1); and drug discontinuation (AHR = 2.05,95% CI 1.26-3.35) were independent predictors for the incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients was high and various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors highly contributed to its incidence. This study recommends early screening of blood pressure, giving priority to comorbid patients and patients with advanced stage hypertension, and giving health education about behavioral risks and drug adherence.

Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: an institution-Based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a global public health concern with type 2 diabetes being one of the common risk factors. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among type 2 diabetes patients is largely unknown in developing countries like Ethiopia. The inability to recognize stroke warning symptoms accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention. We investigated knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes and the factors associated with these variables.

METHODS

This was an institution-based cross-sectional study. We enrolled 470 adult type 2 diabetes patients using a systematic random sampling method from four government-managed hospitals in Addis Ababa from 1 to 30 February 2021. The Stroke Recognition Questionnaire was adapted to measure the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms. Sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, and reaction to stroke were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and linear regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms.

RESULT

The mean age of the participants was 50.6 ± 12.9 years. The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Higher educational level (B = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.101, 2.914, P < 0.001), knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.328, 95% CI = 2.734, 3.922, P < 0.001), and living with others (B = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.606, 2.954, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors. Younger age (B = - 0.021, 95% CI= -0.038, 0.005, P = 0.01), higher educational level (B = 1.873, 95% CI = 1.017, 2.730, P < 0.001), and knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.64, 95% CI = 3.079, 4.200, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of warning symptoms of stroke.

CONCLUSION

The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Younger age, higher educational level, and living with other people are predictors of better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms in this study. Future educational interventions should target type 2 diabetes adults with advancing age and the involvement of their family members.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hypertensive Patients Towards Stroke Prevention Among Rural Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Stroke is a significant health problem and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability worldwide. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for stroke. Thus, hypertensive patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are essential in preventing stroke.

Objective

To examine hypertensive patients' KAP towards stroke prevention among rural population in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional design. The data were collected using a convenience sampling technique from hypertensive patients in the northwestern rural areas of Riyadh Province. A self-administered questionnaire was adapted from the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) and utilized to assess KAP towards stroke prevention among rural hypertensive patients. The STrengthening of the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the study.

Results

A total of 196 hypertensive patients participated in the study. The total mean scores categorization into three quartiles showed that most respondents had poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention. Weak positive correlations were found between KAP of patients. There were statistically significant differences between respondents' attitudes and practices with their age, education, marital status, and occupational status.

Discussion

This study denoted poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention among hypertensive patients living in rural areas. This study showed the importance of further considering rural population by which improving their health and quality of life. Extending health educational programs and behavior-changing strategies to rural areas is essential to increase hypertensive patients and general public awareness about their stroke prevention and other health-related concerns.

The association of lipid-lowering therapy and blood pressure control among outpatients with hypertension at the Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

The lipid-lowering medications known as statins have been shown in controlled clinical trials to have pleiotropic properties, such as lowering blood pressure, in addition to lowering cholesterol levels. The purpose of this study was to see if there was a possible link between blood pressure control and statin therapy in outpatients with hypertension in a real clinical setting.

Patients and methods

A retrospective comparative cohort study of 404 patients with hypertension was carried out. A systematic random sampling technique was used. For data entry, Epi-Data version 4.6 was used, and SPSS version 25 was used for further analysis. For group comparisons, chi-square and independent t-tests were computed. To determine the relationship between statin use and blood pressure control, a binary logistic regression model was employed. To declare statistical significance, a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of <0.05 were used.

Results

Half of the study participants who were using a prescribed statin were assigned to the statin group, whereas the remaining participants who do not take statins were assigned to the control group. After 3 months of statin treatment, BP control to <130/80 mmHg was significantly greater (P = 0.022) in the statin group (52.5%) than in the control group (41.0%). The use of statins raises the likelihood of having blood pressure under control by 1.58 times when compared to statin non-users. After controlling for possible confounders, statin therapy still increased the odds of having controlled BP by a factor of 5.98 [OR = 5.98; 95% CI: 2.77-12.92].

Conclusion

This study revealed that blood pressure control was higher among statin user hypertensive patients. Favorable effects of statin use were independently observed, even after correction for age, presence of dyslipidemia, and duration of antihypertensive therapy. Therefore, the importance of concomitantly added lipid-lowering drugs such as statins and their role in managing poor blood pressure control should be given due emphasis.

Knowledge and Response to Stroke Among Lebanese Adults: A Population-Based Survey

Objectives

To date, research on public awareness of stroke warning symptoms, risk factors and practice in the general adult population in Lebanon is scarce. The aim of our study is to identify the level of stroke awareness in order to develop and implement preventive measures particularly in relationship to primary stroke prevention.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study conducted among 410 adult participants from the five main governorates of Lebanon. Stroke knowledge and practice were assessed using two validated questionnaires namely the Stroke Knowledge Test (SKT) and the Stroke Action Test (STAT). Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to examine socio-demographic, social habits, and clinical factors independently associated with the SKT and the STAT scores.

Results

The mean SKT score of the participants was 9.16. 48.5% showed a poor stroke-related knowledge level and 51.5% a good knowledge level. Living in Mount Lebanon and occasional smokers showed statistically significant lower mean SKT scores; whereas, university degree and suffering from diabetes mellitus were associated with higher mean SKT scores. The mean overall STAT score was 41.3%. For 36.8% of the stroke symptoms, respondents selected call 112. The mean STAT scores of participants who get their information from the internet was statistically significantly lower. However, no association was found between the SKT score and the STAT score.

Conclusion

Knowledge of stroke risk factors was low, as was awareness of the need to call 112 in response to stroke symptoms. Hence, it is essential to develop health education programs in order to decrease stroke morbidity and mortality.

Stroke Related Knowledge, Prevention Practices and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021

Introduction

Stroke is a global health problem, causing significant morbidities and mortalities in both developing and developed countries. Patients living with chronic diseases like hypertension are at a high risk of stroke. Approximately 80% of strokes could be prevented with necessary preventive practices. There is scarce evidence in the preventive practices in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and prevention practices related to stroke among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1st to June 30th, 2021. The study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered into EPI Info version 7.2.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0. Binary logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify associated factors. The level of significance was determined using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI at a p-value of 0.05.

Results

Participants in this study had adequate knowledge of stroke and good prevention practices in 40.7% (95% CI: 35.9, 45.5) and 51.7% (95 CI: 46.8, 56.5) of cases, respectively. Attending secondary education and above 4.6 (95% CI: 2.08, 10.17), knowing someone who has had a stroke 13.17 (95% CI: 7.3, 23.77), and physical activity 4.05 (95% CI: 2.23, 7.36) were all significantly associated with adequate stroke knowledge. Furthermore, educational status (attending primary education 2.61 (95% CI: 1.44, 4.73) and secondary education and above 3.75 (95% CI: 1.99, 7.05), being an urban dweller 9.65 (95% CI: 5.04, 18.44), duration of hypertension 1.9 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.14), knowing someone with a stroke 2.27 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.93), and physical activity 1.76 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.01) were associated with good stroke prevention practices.

Conclusion

The proportion of participants with good-related knowledge and prevention practice is relatively good.

Awareness of Being at Risk of Stroke and Its Determinant Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Banyumas, Indonesia

Background

The global burden of stroke is still high, particularly in developing countries, with hypertension serving as the main risk factor. The awareness of stroke among hypertensive patients is crucial for stroke prevention. This study was aimed at identifying the awareness of being at risk of stroke and its determinant factors among hypertensive patients in Banyumas, Indonesia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia, from April to August 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the representatives' PHCs. Hypertensive patients who came regularly to the PHCs were consecutively recruited. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire and medical records. The main outcome was the level of participants' awareness of being at risk of stroke. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to measure determinant factors associated with the level of awareness.

Results

Out of 457 patients investigated, 77.46% had a low level of awareness. Low knowledge of hypertension, low income, and no history of previous stroke were associated with a low-level of awareness (odds ratio (OR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.195-3.158, p 0.007; OR 2.321, 95% CI 1.326-4.064, p 0.003; and OR 6.033, 95% CI 2.450-14.858, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Majority of hypertensive patients were unaware of being at risk of stroke. Knowledge of hypertension, income, and history of previous stroke are factors that may influence the awareness of being at risk of stroke among them. This emphasizes the need to provide better campaigns and education programs to raise the awareness of stroke in a community setting, particularly for the population at risk.

Knowledge on Stroke Warning Signs and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally and is a major cause of disability worldwide. It is a preventable and treatable disease by the prevention of modifiable risk factors and early recognition of warning signs, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

To assess knowledge on stroke warning signs and associated factors among hypertensive patients at South Gondar Zone Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in South Gondar Zone Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 1-30, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used and data were collected through face to face interviews. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6.0.0 and exported to SPSS version 25 for cleaning and analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used and variables with p <0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-three hypertensive patients completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 100%. Among the total respondents, 15% (95% CI: 10.7, 19.4) of participants had good knowledge of stroke warning signs. Younger age (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.18, 6.74), urban residence (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.04, 8.11), being educated (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.09, 6.23) and having long duration hypertension follow up (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.25, 5.81) were significantly associated with good knowledge of stroke warning signs.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that participants had poor knowledge of stroke warning signs. Younger age, urban residence, being educated and having long duration hypertension follow up were predictors of good stroke warning signs knowledge. Health information dissemination needs to be strengthened for hypertensive patients, particularly for older, rural residents, the non-educated and those having short duration of hypertension follow up.

Knowledge, Prevention Practice and Associated Factors of Stroke Among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients - A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Because of the inadequate level of public awareness of the disease, the incidence of stroke has been sharply rising. Eventually, due to the prehospital delay, many stroke cases could not be eligible for thrombolysis thereby poor rehabilitative outcome has been tremendously increased. Thus, this study aimed to review the level of knowledge, prevention practice, and associated factors of stroke among hypertensive and diabetic patients.

METHODS

A systematic review of primarily published articles (2010-2020) related to knowledge and prevention practices of stroke was performed by searching online electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Refseek, Science direct, ResearchGate, and manual Google search by using the keywords and MeSH terms. Studies conducted on knowledge and prevention practices amongst hypertensive and/or diabetic patients were included.

RESULTS

Out of 531 searched studies, 42 articles were identified to be reviewed. The reported overall knowledge of stroke was ranging from 4.4% to 79%. Knowledge to the signs/symptoms of stroke was 23.6% to 87%. However, 15% to 77% of subjects were also reported that they did not know any sign of stroke. The range of risk factor knowledge was 10.5% to 86.6%. The reported level of stroke prevention practice was 2.4% to 72% but physical activity and weight reduction practice were relatively low. Inadequate level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was related to elderly, female gender, uneducated, unmarried, rural residents, economically low, comorbidity and unemployed individuals.

CONCLUSION

The current finding revealed that the level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was inadequate. Hence, the finding highlights health educational programs should be planned as an important avenue to enhance stroke awareness among the high-risk populations.

Knowledge on Prevention of Stroke and Its Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death. About 70% of strokes were occurring in low- and middle-income countries, and high blood pressure is the main risk factor of stroke due to its poor recognition of stroke prevention methods. Therefore, the study aimed to assess knowledge on stroke prevention and its associated factors among hypertensive patients at Debre-Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre-Tabor General Hospital from February 20 to March 20/2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.2.0.0 and exported to SPSS version 25 for cleaning and analysis. A reliability test was done, and the Cronbach alpha coefficient value was 0.709. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done, and variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval.

Results

From 423 study participants, 410 of them responded completely and a response rate is 96.92%. Among the total respondents, 24.9% (95% CI: 20.7, 29.3) of participants had good knowledge of stroke prevention methods. Young age (AOR: 2.082; 95% CI (1.071, 4.049)), urban residence (AOR: 3.230; 95% CI (1.665, 6.267)), and having long followed-up duration (AOR: 3.015; 95% CI (1.870, 4.861)) were factors associated with good knowledge on stroke prevention methods.

Conclusion

This study revealed that participants had poor knowledge of stroke prevention. Young age, urban residence, and having long duration hypertension follow-up were predictors of good knowledge on stroke prevention. These findings have immense importance of different stakeholders that have responsibilities on the reduction of hypertension complications characteristically stroke. Further, it is chief for health-care providers for hypertension intervention activities.

Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke Among Patients with Heart Disease at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and the economic costs of treatment and post-stroke care are extensive. The inability to identify stroke warning signs accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention, leading to potential ineligibility for acute intervention and which leads to secondary complications.

PURPOSE

To identify cardiac patients' knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Close-ended questionnaires were pre-tested and validated for consistency before data collection. Then after data collection, data were checked and entered into Epi-data 4.6. Finally, the cleaned data were exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Statistical analysis using binary logistic regression was done and Predictors with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients were included in the study, of which 140 (61.7%) of them identified physical inactivity, followed by hypertension126 (55.5%) as stroke risk factor while 15.4% of them did not know any risk factor of stroke. Amongst the study participants, 45.81% of them had adequate knowledge of stroke risk factors. Regarding stroke warning signs the most identified sign was sudden unilateral weakness 142 (62.6%) while 46 (20.26%) of them did not know at least one warning sign of a stroke. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher education level AOR 3.05 (95% CI 1.62-5.74) and Urban residence area AOR 2.07 (95% CI 1.05-4.1) were significantly associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors with p-value<0.05.

CONCLUSION

Study participants had inadequate knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. Educational status and information about stroke are significantly associated with adequate knowledge of stroke risk factors, raising stroke awareness is the mainstay to reduce stroke burden.

Public knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for cardiovascular disease among young and middle-aged adults in rural Tanzania

Background

Improving cardiovascular health requires public knowledge and reduction of modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This study assessed knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs among young and middle-aged adults in Morogoro, Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted a community-based survey as part of cluster randomized controlled study of community health workers (CHWs) intervention for reduction of blood pressure among young and middle-aged adults in rural Morogoro. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs was collected using an interviewer administered questionaire. Knowledge was assessed using open-ended questions followed by closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to describe knowledge of risk factors and warning signs. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with adequate knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs.

Results

Two-thirds (65.7%) of the participants had heard about CVDs. The main sources of information were mainly relatives/ neighbors (64.8%) and radio (53.0%). Only 28.3% of the participants reported health care providers as source of information about CVDs. More than half of the participants (52.4%) did not mention even one risk factor spontaneously while 55.2% were unable to mention any warning sign. When asked to select from a list, 6.9% were unable to correctly identify any risk factor whereas 11.8% could not correctly identify even a single warning sign. Quarter of participants (25.4%) had good knowledge score of risk factors, 17.5% had good knowledge score of warning signs and 16.3% had overall good knowledge of both risk factors and warning signs. Residing in Ulanga, having higher education level, having ever checked blood pressure and being overweight/obese predicted adequacy of knowledge score for both risk factors and warning signs.

Conclusion

Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs in this rural population of young and middle-aged adults was generally low. Health care providers were less likely to provide health education regarding risk factors and warning signs for CVDs. Health promotion interventions to increase population knowledge of risk factors and warning signs should be implemented for successful reduction of CVDs in Tanzania.

Risk factors, clinical presentations and predictors of stroke among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of Jimma university medical center, south west Ethiopia: prospective observational study

Background

Stroke is the second-leading global cause of death behind heart disease in 2013 and is a major cause of permanent disability. The burden of stroke in terms of mortality, morbidity and disability is increasing across the world. It is currently observed to be one of the commonest reasons of admission in many health care setups and becoming an alarming serious public health problem in our country Ethiopia. Despite the high burden of strokes globally, there is insufficient information on the current clinical profile of stroke in low and middle income countries (LMICs) including Ethiopia. So, this study was aimed to assess risk factors, clinical presentations and predictors of stroke subtypes among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of Jimma university medical center (JUMC).

Methods

Prospective observational study design was carried out at stroke unit (SU) of JUMC for 4 consecutive months from March 10–July 10, 2017. A standardized data extraction checklist and patient interview was used to collect data. Data was entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of stroke subtypes.

Result

A total of 116 eligible stroke patients were recruited during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 55.1 ± 14.0 years and males comprised 62.9%. According to world health organization (WHO) criteria of stroke diagnosis, 51.7% of patients had ischemic while 48.3% had hemorrhagic stroke. The most common risk factor identified was hypertension (75.9%) followed by family history (33.6%), alcohol intake (22.4%), smoking (17.2%) and heart failure (17.2%). The most common clinical presentation was headache complained by 75.0% of the patients followed by aphasia 60.3% and hemiparesis 53.4%. Atrial fibrillation was the independent predictor of hemorrhagic stroke (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.68).

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of stroke in this set up were similar to other low- and middle-resource countries. As stroke is a high priority chronic disease, large-scale public health campaign should be launched focusing on public education regarding stroke risk factors and necessary interventions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1409-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Risk factors, clinical presentations and predictors of stroke among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of Jimma university medical center, south west Ethiopia: prospective observational study

Background

Stroke is the second-leading global cause of death behind heart disease in 2013 and is a major cause of permanent disability. The burden of stroke in terms of mortality, morbidity and disability is increasing across the world. It is currently observed to be one of the commonest reasons of admission in many health care setups and becoming an alarming serious public health problem in our country Ethiopia. Despite the high burden of strokes globally, there is insufficient information on the current clinical profile of stroke in low and middle income countries (LMICs) including Ethiopia. So, this study was aimed to assess risk factors, clinical presentations and predictors of stroke subtypes among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of Jimma university medical center (JUMC).

Methods

Prospective observational study design was carried out at stroke unit (SU) of JUMC for 4 consecutive months from March 10–July 10, 2017. A standardized data extraction checklist and patient interview was used to collect data. Data was entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of stroke subtypes.

Result

A total of 116 eligible stroke patients were recruited during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 55.1 ± 14.0 years and males comprised 62.9%. According to world health organization (WHO) criteria of stroke diagnosis, 51.7% of patients had ischemic while 48.3% had hemorrhagic stroke. The most common risk factor identified was hypertension (75.9%) followed by family history (33.6%), alcohol intake (22.4%), smoking (17.2%) and heart failure (17.2%). The most common clinical presentation was headache complained by 75.0% of the patients followed by aphasia 60.3% and hemiparesis 53.4%. Atrial fibrillation was the independent predictor of hemorrhagic stroke (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.68).

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of stroke in this set up were similar to other low- and middle-resource countries. As stroke is a high priority chronic disease, large-scale public health campaign should be launched focusing on public education regarding stroke risk factors and necessary interventions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1412-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.