Do Awareness and Severity of Stroke Affect Arrival Time among Stroke Patients?
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- Category: Vol. 85, September 2017
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Do Awareness and Severity of Stroke Affect Arrival Time among Stroke Patients?, ADEL ALHAZZANI, OSAMAH ABUHAWI, AHMED ABOELYAZEED, MOHAMMAD ASSERI and AASEM ALSHEHRI
Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the leading cause of adult disability. The time window for effective intervention is very short and often underutilized.
Aim of Study: To assess the relationship between awareness about stroke, stroke severity and arrival time to tertiary hospital in Aseer Region, Southwestern part of Saudi Arabia.
Design: The study was conducted using validated Self-administered questionnaire to assess arrival time and relation-ship with sociodemographic data, awareness about stroke and stroke severity which was assessed on presentation using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
Results: A total of 100 stroke patients were interviewed. The mean age was 67±18 years with 55% males. Only 29% thought they were having stroke and 15% knowing what stroke is. None of the participants knew all risk factors of stroke. Forty-three thought it is untreatable disease and as expected there was a significant correlation between good knowledge about stroke and early arrival. Thirty-seven patients presented within 3 hours from onset of symptoms.
Conclusions: In spite of the lack of recognition of stroke as a treatable emergency, one third of stroke patients seek medical attention within 3 hours of onset regardless of stroke severity. There is urgent need to increase public awareness about stroke and ensure availability of tissue plasminogen activator and acute stroke programs at tertiary care hospitals.