Effect of Community Education Program on Stroke Symptoms and Treatment on School and College Students from South India: A Longitudinal Observational Study

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.

Spatiotemporal Trends of Stroke Burden Attributable to Ambient PM2.5 in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019: A Global Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Previous studies suggested that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with increased risk of stroke. However, limited studies evaluated the stroke burden attributable to ambient PM2.5 globally, especially comprising across different regions, countries, and social-economic levels. We thus conducted this study to estimate the spatial and temporal trends of ambient PM2.5-related stroke burden by sex, age, and subtypes from 1990 to 2019 at global, regional, and national levels.

METHODS

Information on the ambient PM2.5-related stroke burden from 1990 to 2019 was obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. The burdens of stroke attributable to ambient PM2.5 (i.e., age-standardized mortality rate [ASMR] and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year rate [ASDR]) were estimated by sex, age, and subtypes from 1990 to 2019 at global, regional, and national levels. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to evaluate the changing trends of ASDR and ASMR attributable to ambient PM2.5 from 1990 to 2019. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between sociodemographic index (SDI) and EAPC of ASMR and ASDR at the national level.

RESULTS

In 2019, the global ambient PM2.5-related stroke mortality and disability-adjusted life years were 1.14 million and 28.74 million, respectively, with the corresponding ASDR and ASMR of 348.1 and 14.3 per 100,000 population, respectively. The ASDR and ASMR increased with age and were highest among male patients, in the middle SDI regions, and for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). From 1990 to 2019, the absolute death number of stroke attributable to ambient PM2.5 and the corresponding ASMR and ASDR were both in an increasing trend. The corresponding EAPCs in ASMR and ASDR were 0.09 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.24) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.18-0.44), respectively. The significant increases of ASMR and ASDR were observed in the low, low-middle, and middle SDI regions, and for ICH. However, a decreasing trend was observed in high and middle-high SDI regions, and for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

DISCUSSION

The global burden of stroke attributable to ambient PM2.5 showed an increasing trend over the past 30 years, especially in male patients, low-income countries, and for ICH. Continued efforts on reducing the level of ambient PM2.5 are necessary to reduce the burden of stroke.

FAST Heroes: Results of Cross-Country Implementation of a Global School-Based Stroke Education Campaign

Background

Educating the at-risk population about stroke symptoms and requirement of calling an ambulance when stroke strikes is challenging. This exploratory cross-country study provides insights to the FAST Heroes educational campaign and outcomes hitherto achieved.

Aims

The primary aim of the study was to measure the transfer of stroke-related knowledge to parents after a global school-based FAST Heroes educational campaign for 5- to 9-year-old children in 14 different countries. The secondary aim was to evaluate parents and teachers' acceptability toward the program.

Methods

The duration of the program was 5 h; 1 h per week, joining face-to-face educational sessions with workbooks, cartoons, web-based learning, and other fun activities. Outcomes were measured before implementation (t1), after implementation (t2), and at 6-month follow-up (t3). Program acceptability and stroke knowledge were evaluated by feedback surveys for teachers and parents.

Results

Worldwide, 4,202 parents completed the program with their children and answered surveys at t1 and t2. They increased their knowledge of three stroke symptoms from 48 to 83% (p &lt; 0.001). All three surveys were completed by 86 parents, who improved their knowledge of stroke symptoms, 55% (t1), 79% (t2), and 94% (t3) (p &lt; 0.001). Overall, the educational messages were successfully passed onward.

Conclusions

Findings confirm the primary aim of the study that is knowledge about stroke transfer well from children to their families through the FAST Heroes program. Second, parents and teachers globally consider the program feasible and worthwhile. The results will inform further rollout of the campaign.