Awareness of the risk factors of stroke among non-teaching staff of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

Knowledge, awareness, and presence of cardiovascular risk factors among college staff of a Nigerian University

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global morbidity often overlooked. Much of the population risk of CVD is attributable to modifiable risk factors, and the gaps in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) are barriers to the effective prevention and treatment of CVDs.

Aim

To assess the knowledge, awareness, and CVD risk among the staff of the college of health science.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 70 academic and non-academic staff who consented were given questionnaires for cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) knowledge level, cardiovascular risk awareness (CRA), international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), and international stress management association questionnaire (ISMAQ). Selected anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar (FBG) were also measured.

Results

The mean knowledge level of CVDs was 23.21 ± 3.230, and the mean CRA was 42.61 ± 4.237. The study participants demonstrated moderate-to-high stress (48%), physical inactivity of 18.9%, overweight/obesity of 62.48%, abdominal obesity of 21.4%, hypertensive (systole and diastole) of 27.2%, hyperglycemic of 7.2%, and smokers of 7.2%. There was a significant relationship between the participants’ knowledge level and awareness of CVDs (p < 0.003) and knowledge of CRFs also increased with an increase in educational level. Participants > 40 years had a 3–9% risk of having a CVD event within 10 years.

Conclusions

The knowledge and awareness of CRFs among the participants was high, and some exhibited risk factors. The staff of the university could improve their risk score by practicing health-promoting behaviors like increased physical activity, blood pressure control, and smoking cessation.

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.