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

Public Awareness and Attitude Towards Stroke in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Recognizing risk factors, identifying warning signs, and seeking timely medical intervention are crucial for preventing stroke and improving outcomes. This study aims to assess stroke awareness and attitudes among residents in southern Saudi Arabia and determine predictors of stroke knowledge. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents aged ≥18 years in the southern region of Saudi Arabia excluding individuals with a history of stroke and healthcare workers. A sample size of 576 participants was calculated. Data were collected conveniently via a self-administered online Arabic questionnaire that was adopted from the literature. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, stroke knowledge, attitudes, and symptom responses. Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression to identify predictors of awareness of stroke. Results A total of 510 participants (median age: 29 years, interquartile range: 24, 40) were included, with 288 (56%) being male. Stroke was identified as a brain disease by 287 (56%), and 371 (73%) recognized its preventability. Awareness of stroke symptoms ranged from 332 (65%) for sudden dizziness to 399 (78%) for speech difficulties. The most recognized risk factors were hypertension (443, 87%), smoking (395, 77%), and diabetes mellitus (342, 67%). Better general awareness was associated with being married (β: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.07-0.61), divorced (β: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.07-0.61), or having a family history of stroke (β: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22-0.70). Higher symptom awareness was linked to a family history of stroke (β: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.38-1.50) and earning 3000-10,000 RAS (β: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.11-1.50). For risk factor awareness, family history of stroke (β: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.32-1.60) and earning 3000-10,000 RAS (β: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.12-1.80) were significant predictors. Awareness of stroke's consequence was higher among older participants (β: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.04) and those with a family history of stroke (β: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.09-0.81), while males (β: -0.32, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.03) had lower scores. Conclusion The study highlights significant gaps in stroke awareness, particularly in recognizing symptoms with moderate overall knowledge of stroke risk factors. Targeted educational campaigns and community outreach programs for at-risk populations are essential to improving stroke awareness and ensuring timely medical intervention.

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.

Stroke awareness and knowledge in Sudan: a cross-sectional analysis of public perceptions and understanding

Introduction

Stroke, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, demands heightened awareness and knowledge for effective preventive strategies and tailored response. Sudan is classified as a low income country with a low rate of literacy, lack of knowledge, and awareness about diseases. Thus, this study aimed to assess stroke awareness and knowledge among Sudanese population, and identify the associated factors influencing awareness.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted between October and November 2022 through a self-administered online survey distributed via various social media platforms. The study involved adults aged 18 years and above through snow-ball sampling technique. The survey covered general awareness and knowledge concerning stroke risk factors, consequences, and the appropriate responses taken during acute stroke attacks.

Results

A total of 410 participants were enrolled in the study, majority (93.4%) were from urban area and had university degree (92.4%). Furthermore, 92.2% were aware about stroke and 74.9% were able to recognize the symptoms of stroke. Only 40.2% identified all correct answers, 96.3, 92.3, and 95.1% recognized at least one risk factor, early symptom, and consequences, respectively. Females were significantly more than males able to identify at least one risk factor. Almost all participants (99.5%) perceived stroke as a serious disease (99.5%). Notably, 86.3% would promptly transport a suspected stroke patient to the hospital. The multivariable analysis showed that females versus males and patients with depression versus without depression had significantly higher odds to identify at least one risk factor (OR of 14.716 [95% CI 1.901; 113.908] and 0.241 [95% CI 0.059; 0.984], respectively).

Conclusion

The study concluded that stroke knowledge and awareness among Sudanese population is suboptimal. Furthermore, early stroke recognition and intake of the appropriate management strategies are lacking which highlights the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drinks consumption among university students in Jordan

Energy drinks gained popularity after the launch of Red Bull in 1997. Different brands are now available and young adults mainly consume these drinks. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drink consumption among university students in Jordan. A validated online survey was used to collect the required data, extracted from Google Forms into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. A nationally representative sample of university students with a mean age of 22⋅2 ± 3⋅9 years (n 749) was obtained. The participating students demonstrated a neutral level of knowledge about energy drinks, as the mean score of knowledge = 7⋅1 ± 2⋅2 (out of 12), with 66 % (n 498) of them having consumed energy drinks and experienced their effects. Generally, the study's participants demonstrated a neutral attitude towards energy drinks and 70⋅5 % (n 528) acknowledged that energy drinks increase activity, but more than 70 % of them believed that energy drinks have harmful side effects. It was found that there is a significant (P-value <0⋅5) positive correlation between knowledge score and female gender, studying a medical major, and monthly income. The main reasons for consuming energy drinks were reported to be: to stay awake for longer, help study, and become more energetic. There is a need for more structured awareness campaigns to warn students about the possible side effects of these products in order to reduce the consumption and popularity of these drinks among students.

Al Meslamani A. Assessment of Knowledge and attitude towards Stroke among the UAE population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background: Despite significant advancements in healthcare, the burden of stroke continues to rise in the developed world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between COVID-19 infection and stroke is well established. Factors identified for the delay in presentation and management include a lack of awareness regarding stroke. We aimed to assess the general public knowledge and attitudes on stroke and stroke risk factors in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022 among adults≥ 18 years old. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and stroke knowledge and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated based on the number of correct responses. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to knowledge and attitude towards stroke. Results: Of the 500 respondents, 69.4% were females, 53.4% were aged between 18 and 25, and nearly half were students (48.4%). The mean knowledge score was 13.66 (range 2-24). Hypertension (69%), smoking (63.2%), stress (56.4%) obesity/overweight (54.4%), and heart disease (53.6%) were identified as risk factors. Overall, the knowledge of signs/symptoms was suboptimal. The mean attitude score was 4.41 (range, 1-6); 70.2% would call an ambulance if someone were having a stroke. A monthly income of 11,000-50,000 AED and being a student were associated with positive knowledge. Being a non-health worker and lacking access to electronic media sources were associated with worse attitudes. Conclusion: Overall, we identified poor knowledge and suboptimal attitudes toward stroke. These findings reflect the need for effective public health approaches to improve stroke awareness, knowledge, and attitudes for effective prevention in the community. Presently, this is of utmost necessity, given the increased occurrence of stroke and its severity among COVID-19 patients.

Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke in the Iraqi population: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Stroke is a highly prevalent condition with high rates of death and disability in Iraq and around the world. Knowledge of stroke and its associated risk factors is essential for disease prevention and rapid response when confronted with a stroke patient.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess stroke knowledge and identify factors associated with awareness among the Iraqi public.

Material and methods

A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted on the Iraqi population. The self-administered online questionnaire contained three sections. The study got ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Baghdad.

Results

The results showed that 26.8% of the participants reported knowledge regarding identifying all risk factors. In addition, 18.4% and 34.8% of the participants recognized all symptoms and mentioned all possible consequences of stroke, respectively. Previous medical history with chronic diseases had essential relationships with the response when faced with a person having an acute stroke. In addition, there was a significant relationship between gender, smoking history, and identification of early stroke symptoms.

Conclusion

There was a lack of knowledge about risk factors for stroke among the participants. There is a need for an awareness program among the Iraqi people to raise their understanding of stroke that can reduce stroke mortality and morbidity.

Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke among the Lebanese population: A cross-sectional study

Background: Evaluation of the knowledge about stroke in the general population is extremely vital as it prevents stroke development, limits complications, and achieves better quality of life.  We assume that the general Lebanese population lacks awareness about stroke and its associated complications. This study aims to evaluate stroke knowledge and determine the factors associated with stroke awareness among the general Lebanese population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and the identification of risk factors, warning signs, stroke consequences, and early response to stroke symptoms. A total of 551 Lebanese adults without a history of stroke filled in an online self-reported questionnaire publicly shared on social applications. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with poor knowledge of stroke. 

Results: Among the 551 participants enrolled, 403 (74.2%) were females and 312 (56.7%) were under 30 years of age. Females compared to males and employed compared to unemployed had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one risk factor (OR=4.3 [95%CI=1.1;16.8] and 6 [95%CI=1.2;29.6], respectively). Also, when compared to unemployed, employed participants had significantly higher odds of recognizing at least one of the early stroke symptoms (OR=3.3 [95%CI=1.2;8.9]) and identifying at least one of the stroke consequences (OR=5.3 [95%CI=1.1;25.9]). Reaching a university level of education compared to a school level was associated with significantly higher odds (OR=2.3 [95%CI=1.1;4.8]) of taking a patient to a hospital.

Conclusion: Well-educated, employed, and female participants were more knowledgeable about stroke. Tailored interventions focusing on individuals with inadequate stroke literacy are needed. Further studies, more representative of the general Lebanese population with a larger sample size, are necessary to confirm our findings.

Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke among the Lebanese population: A cross-sectional study

Background: Evaluation of the knowledge about stroke in the general population is extremely vital as it prevents stroke development, limits complications, and achieves better quality of life.  We assume that the general Lebanese population lacks awareness about stroke and its associated complications. This study aims to evaluate stroke knowledge and determine the factors associated with stroke awareness among the general Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed respondents' sociodemographic characteristics and the identification of risk factors, warning signs, stroke consequences, and early response to stroke symptoms. A total of 551 Lebanese adults without a history of stroke filled in an online self-reported questionnaire publicly shared on social applications. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with poor knowledge of stroke.  Results: Among the 551 participants enrolled, 403 (74.2%) were females and 312 (56.7%) were under 30 years of age. Females compared to males and employed compared to unemployed had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one risk factor (OR=4.3 [95%CI=1.1;16.8] and 6 [95%CI=1.2;29.6], respectively). Also, when compared to unemployed, employed participants had significantly higher odds of recognizing at least one of the early stroke symptoms (OR=3.3 [95%CI=1.2;8.9]) and identifying at least one of the stroke consequences (OR=5.3 [95%CI=1.1;25.9]). Reaching a university level of education compared to a school level was associated with significantly higher odds (OR=2.3 [95%CI=1.1;4.8]) of taking a patient to a hospital. Conclusion: Well-educated, employed, and female participants were more knowledgeable about stroke. Tailored interventions focusing on individuals with inadequate stroke literacy are needed. Further studies, more representative of the general Lebanese population with a larger sample size, are necessary to confirm our findings.