Assessment of Knowledge on Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Early Treatment Approaches of Stroke among Community Adults in North India: A Telephone Interview Survey

Abstract

Background As stroke is a catastrophic illness, knowing its risk factors, early signs and symptoms, and management strategies could potentially prevent morbidity and mortality among the people. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the public cognizance of risk factors, signs and symptoms, and early treatment options available for stroke with particular emphases on thrombolysis, and its window period. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional telephonic interview-based survey was conducted in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh of North India from August 2017 to December 2017. Results Of 350 respondents those participated in the survey with a mean age ± standard deviation of 39.93 ± 13.41 years, hypertension was found to be the most common risk factor among the study participants ( n = 205, 58.57%) and 28.85% of the study participants were not aware of the risk factors, whereas 46% of the participants were not aware of warning signs of stroke. The window period of thrombolysis was compared with gender, and it was found that the higher number of male participants ( n = 49) adduced the right window of thrombolysis (0–4.5 hours) as compared with the female participants ( n = 26). Conclusions Survey results suggested that there exists scant information about risk factors, alarming signs, and early treatment approaches among community adults toward stroke. In this regard, there is an immense need to conduct awareness camps related to stroke to educate the vulnerable public.