Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs Among High Risk Individuals in Nnewi North and South Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Increasing the level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among individuals at high risk for stroke may empower them for positive health actions. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among individuals at increased risk and the association between these knowledge levels and some of the participants’ demographics. Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey of one hundred and forty-six individuals (mean age= 53.16±17.66 years) at high risk for stroke from some selected communities in Nnewi North and South Local Government Areas, Anambra State. A self-developed questionnaire was used to measure the participants’ knowledge level. Data Analysis: Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics of Chi-square and Spearman rank-order correlation were used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha-level. Result: Participants' were mostly males 98 (65.07%), married, and gainfully employed (67.1%) and had at least a secondary level education (76.7%). About half of the participants had poor knowledge of stroke risk factors (52.05%) and warning signs (49.32%) despite their high literacy level. Being a male participant with a tertiary level of education and working in the public or private sector was associated with a better knowledge level (p≤0.05). No significant association existed between the age and marital status of the individuals. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs was poor for many in the sampled population particularly those with little or no education and those who are either unemployed or self-employed. Efforts should be made to increase the level of awareness among these groups of high-risk individuals through stroke awareness campaigns, which may empower them for positive health actions toward stroke prevention.