Factors Associated with Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke Among the Jordanian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The one-year incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation in Jordan and its associated factors

Background

An elevated risk of stroke is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). Effective care and prevention measures for individuals with AF require an understanding of the factors impacting the incidence of stroke in this population. Evidence regarding the incidence of stroke among patients with AF is insufficient in Jordan. This study aimed to determine the incidence of stroke and its associated factors among patients with AF in Jordan.

Methods

The Jordan Atrial Fibrillation Registry JoFib was used to identify a total of 2020 AF patients meeting the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and the CHA2DS2-VASc score-based evaluation of stroke risk were extracted from the registry.

Results

This study encompassed 2020 participants diagnosed with AF, with 925 (45.8%) being men and 1,095 (54.2%) women. The one-year stroke incidence among the 2020 AF patients was 3.4%. Notably, stroke incidence significantly increased with age (p = 0.04) and was associated with the history of stroke (7.4% vs. 2.7%), hypertension (3.9% vs. 1.9%), and diabetes (5.1% vs. 2.1%). In the multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5-4.4, p = 0.001) and history of stroke (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5-4.6, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with stroke incidence.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes Jordan's high stroke rate among AF patients. Diabetes and prior stroke history are associated with increased odds of stroke, like all stroke patients. These results highlight the necessity for specialized management strategies among AF patients and highlight the significance of thorough risk assessment and focused interventions to reduce stroke risk in AF patients.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness of stroke among the Syrian population: unveiling the current landscape in Syria through the first nationally representative study

Stroke is a global public health concern, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. In Syria, the current conflict and associated challenges have had a profound impact on healthcare infrastructure, including education and awareness programs related to stroke. An essential aspect of preventing stroke is the awareness of individuals. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke among Syrian people. A cross-sectional national representative study was conducted in Syria. The questionnaire was created on Google form and disseminated as a link through online platform social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The population of the study was divided using proportionate random sampling into the 14 governorates. A random sample was selected from each area. The STROBE reporting guideline for cross-sectional studies was followed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with poor knowledge of stroke. A total of 1013 Syrian adults participated in the study. With more than half of them were females (53.5%) and employed (55.6%). Significant associations were found between ability to identify at least one correct risk factor and employability status (p = 0.029), single group (p = 0.036) and smokers (p < 0.001). In addition, significant associations were found between identifying at least one correct stroke symptom and smokers (p < 0.001) and no-obese people (p = 0.048). Furthermore, younger age group (below 30 years) were significantly able to list at least one correct stroke consequence compared to the older age groups (p = 0.025). Moreover, a significantly higher number of smokers compared to non-smokers correctly identified at least one stroke consequence (p = 0.019). The study revealed that there is a relatively weak understanding of the preventable nature of stroke among Syrian population. The overall awareness is still inadequate and varies depending on lifestyle factors and employment status.

Evaluating the influence of a 3-min online video on the community knowledge of stroke in four Arab countries

Introduction

Studies from developed and developing countries showed that the knowledge levels of stroke need improvement. Educational campaigns varied and were of limited influence predominantly because of their short duration and the need for financial support. The study aims to test the impact of a 3-min online video on the knowledge of stroke and factors influencing the knowledge score in four Arab countries.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based pre-post study was conducted in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. The data were collected using the snowball technique. Participants were adults aged 18 years and above. The questionnaire sequence was conducting a pretest, followed by the educational video explaining stroke occurrence, types, risks, warning signs, preventive measures, and treatment, and finally, a posttest to evaluate the differences in knowledge from baseline. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests comparing pre-post-education stroke knowledge scores, while repeated measures ANOVA, adjusting for covariates, assessed mean changes.

Results

The total number of participants was 2,721, mainly younger than 55 years. The majority had a university degree and were not healthcare professionals. A significant improvement was noted in the total knowledge score in all countries from a mean average (Mpretest = 21.11; Mposttest = 23.70) with p < 0.001. Identification of the stroke risks (Mpretest = 7.40; Mposttest = 8.75) and warning signs (Mpretest = 4.19; Mposttest = 4.94), understanding the preventive measures (Mpretest = 5.27; Mposttest = 5.39) and the importance of acting fast (Mpretest = 0.82; Mposttest = 0.85) improved from baseline with (p < 0.001) for all score components.

Conclusion

The educational tool successfully enhanced public understanding of stroke risks, the identification of stroke signs, and the critical need for emergency action. The advantages of this video include its short length, free online access, use of evidence-based content in lay language, and reflective images. The ultimate goal remains the long-term improvement of sustainability by mandating full-scale trials.

Assessing the Awareness on Symptoms and Risk Factors of Stroke amongst Rural Community in Central Region of Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

As the third leading cause of mortality in Malaysia, stroke is recognised as a medical emergency which requires urgent medical attention within a limited timeframe to prevent exacerbation of the brain damage and death in patients. Recent report revealed a high prevalence of pre-hospital delay amongst the stroke patients due to the lack of awareness on symptoms and risk factors of stroke, as well as poor understanding on appropriate action towards stroke. A number of studies had assessed stroke awareness amongst urban population residing in central region of Malaysia but yet amongst rural population.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst individuals residing in rural districts of Selangor by using a set of questionnaires assessing the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the awareness and action towards stroke symptoms and risk factors.

Results

All 343 respondents were able to recognise at least one modifiable risk factor for stroke. Meanwhile, only 36.44% were able to identify all the stroke symptoms. Despite majority of them were familiar with the stroke term, less than half of the respondents were aware of calling the emergency medical service as the appropriate action towards stroke symptoms.

Conclusion

The present study indicated a poor level of awareness and action towards stroke symptoms and risk factors amongst rural population residing in Selangor.

Knowledge and awareness of stroke in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study of the general population

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to assess stroke knowledge among the general population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and determine the factors associated with stroke awareness among people.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the UAE between September and November 2021. The general population has self-administered an online bilingual survey (Arabic and English) distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire covered general knowledge about stroke risk factors, consequences of stroke, and responding to somebody with acute stroke attack.

RESULTS

A total of 545 surveys were completed, with more than half of the participants being female (58.5%), married (55.4%) and employed (59.4%). The majority were less than 50 years old (90.5%) and had a university degree (71.0%). Many of the participants (70.8%) had a good general knowledge of stroke; however, around 20% of the participants were able to recognize all symptoms and risk factors of stroke. The most common sources of stroke-related information were the internet/social media (53.6%). Females were better able to correctly identify at least one stroke symptom and outcome than males (p=0.008). University education has significantly affected participants' ability to identify early stroke symptoms (p=0.001) correctly. In addition, diabetic people were more likely to recognize at least one stroke outcome than non-diabetic people (p=0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge of stroke was good among highly educated people and females. However, the awareness of all stroke risk factors, symptoms, consequences and risk factors was inadequate among the general population of the UAE. Thus, there is still a gap between recognition of the relevant stroke and taking action among people.

Knowledge and awareness of stroke and associated factors in the Saudi general population: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally and in Saudi Arabia as well. Prevention and management of stroke depend highly on raising knowledge and awareness about the disease.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Saudi adult's knowledge and awareness about stroke and determine the associated factors.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May-July 2022 among Saudi citizens. Assessments of stroke knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and response to stroke symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge.

Results

A total of 389 participants were enrolled with the majority (81.7%) being male participants. Less than half of the study subjects (43.3%) identified four out of five correct answers related to general knowledge about stroke. Almost all the participants were able to identify at least one risk factor associated with stroke. The majority of the participants (81.2%) believed that physical inactivity was the most common risk factor associated with stroke. Approximately three-quarters of participants considered difficulty speaking and understanding speech, followed by the sudden loss of consciousness as the most common stroke manifestation. Participants with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one early stroke symptom (OR 2.271 [95% CI 1.402 3.677], 2.059 [95% CI 1.273 3.328], and 2.665 [95% CI 1.431 4.963], respectively).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that participants have good knowledge about stroke. Nonetheless, further efforts are required to raise awareness and educate the public to optimize and ensure better treatment outcomes.