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Title: | Stroke awareness in a Sri Lankan community introduction |
Authors: | Ranawaka, U.K. de Silva, H. Balasuriya, J. Puvanendiran, S. Jayasekara, B. Wijesekera, J.C. |
Keywords: | Stroke Sri Lanka |
Issue Date: | 2016 |
Publisher: | Ceylon College of Physicians |
Citation: | Journal of the Ceylon College of Physicians. 2016; 47(1): 31-35 |
Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: Knowledge regarding stroke is likely to influence treatment seeking and preventive behaviour. We sought to assess stroke awareness in a Sri Lankan community. METHODS: Adults and schoolchildren in 750 households in the Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health area selected by cluster sampling formed the study population. Knowledge about stroke was assessed using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Level of knowledge was categorised into five groups using a composite score. RESULTS: 711 adults and 155 schoolchildren were studied. Only 36.8% recognised the brain as the organ involved in a stroke. Main presenting symptoms identified were unilateral weakness (93.9%) or sensory symptoms (88%), and speech difficulty (88%). Stroke was considered a cause of sudden death by 58.4%. Many recognised hypertension (74.3%) as a risk factor, but awareness was inadequate regarding diabetes (60.5%), heart disease (60.9%), hypercholesterolaemia (62.5%) and smoking (61.3%). Of the respondents, 60.1% considered stroke was preventable, 74% were aware that stroke could recur, 91.3% believed early treatment would improve outcome and 88.8% considered stroke an emergency. 43.3%, and ‘very good’ in only 0.7%. Majority were graded as average (46.8%), ‘poor’ (5.9%) or ‘very poor’ (3.4%). There was no significant difference in knowledge between adults and schoolchildren. Having a friend or a relative with a stroke was the commonest source of knowledge (61.5%). Doctors (32.2%) and other health workers (9.1%) were poor sources of information. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about stroke is deficient in many aspects. Health professionals need to play a greater role in improving awareness. |
URI: | http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/15600 |
ISSN: | 2448-9514 |
Appears in Collections: | Journal/Magazine Articles |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Stroke.pdf | 32.72 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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