Abstract: Stroke is a worldwide health problem and a major contributor to morbidity, mortality and disability in both developing and developed countries. It is the third commonest cause of death world- wide and the single largest cause of adult disability. The recognition of stroke symptoms by the public and activation of the Emergency Medical Services are the most important factors in initiating pre-hospital stroke. This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding stroke among hypertensive patients who were attending clinic. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted for one year among 269 hypertensive patients. After obtaining written consent, data were collected using a pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Frequencies, percentage and associations were calculated. Only 5.6 % hypertensive patients (n=15) had good knowledge, while many of them (n=151) 56.1% had adequate knowledge regarding stroke. The most common risk factors identified were hypertension (79.2%), hyperlipidemia (40.1%) and diabetes mellitus (37.9%). Sudden numbness (85.1%), weakness or paralysis of face, arms and limbs (67.3%) and trouble speaking (66.2%) were the commonly identified sign and symptoms and paralysis (92.2%) was the most identified complication. Regarding the immediate measures after stroke occurrence, 84.4% of the participants told that they will take the victim to the hospital. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the knowledge of stroke and the following background characteristics; education, occupation, income, duration of hypertension and duration of hypertensive clinic follow up. Knowledge on stroke among the patients was satisfactory in many aspects and this study will pave a way to the prevention of stroke among hypertensive patients.
Keywords: hypertension, stroke, knowledge.
Title: Awareness of Hypertensive Patients on Precautions of Stroke: A Cross Sectional Descriptive Study Conducted in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
Author: Sankarapillai Sujendran, Krishana Suthaharan, Vathanraj Sepamalai, Premathilaka AANU
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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