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Volume  1 (2023)
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VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 2 ( May-August, 2023 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Community Awareness regarding Stroke: A Survey-based Study Involving Family of Patients Presenting to an Indian Emergency Medicine Department

Sohini Chatterjee

Keywords : Acute ischaemic stroke, Stroke awareness, Thrombolysis

Citation Information : Chatterjee S. Community Awareness regarding Stroke: A Survey-based Study Involving Family of Patients Presenting to an Indian Emergency Medicine Department. Nat J Emerg Med 2023; 1 (2):44-47.

DOI: 10.5005/njem-11015-0014

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 05-12-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2023; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background and purpose: Cases of acute ischaemic strokes (AIS) has risen globally over the past two decades. Early recognition of stroke is of utmost importance for timely interventions, treatment, and better outcomes. Public awareness regarding AIS across the world is poor. We aimed to gauge the awareness levels in the population visiting our emergency department (ED). Materials and methods: This was a prospective survey-based study conducted amongst the family members accompanying patients who presented to the ED over 6 months. They were provided with a 3-part, 18-question questionnaire (English or Hindi) by emergency physicians during their respective shifts. Socioeconomic status, demographic details, and educational levels were also recorded for the respondents along with knowledge regarding strokes. Results: A total of 1,118 participants completed the survey. About 903 respondents answered they were aware regarding strokes. But only 0.8% of the total respondents were truly aware regarding strokes. And 2.21% of the respondents were partially aware regarding AIS. Family members, education, and healthcare providers (HCP) played a major role as sources of stroke knowledge (27, 26, 15% respectively). Conclusion: Our study revealed that stroke awareness in the study population was severely lacking irrespective of educational level. Media (print, television, and radio) needs to play a big role along with HCPs in mass dissemination regarding AIS in the population.

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