Perceived and Actual Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Stroke in South India

ABSTRACT

Risk perceptions are crucial in understanding people's thoughts about stroke risk and their preventive health behaviours. Management of risk factors plays a vital role in preventing stroke. This study aimed to identify the perceived and actual risk factors in patients with acute stroke. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Sri Ramachandra University Hospital, India. A total of 210 in-patients of a stroke unit were included. Patients’ data were obtained by interviewing the patient and /or accompanying family member and by reviewing their medical records using a standard questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The median self-perceived risk factor was three. The most commonly perceived risk factor was hypertension (53.8%), followed by stress, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, alcohol intake, smoking and family history. The perception of risk was low when compared to actual risk (p < 0.016). The patients with coronary heart disease, family history of stroke and congestive heart failure have higher risk of having ischaemic stroke. There was a positive correlation between the actual risk and perceived risk.