Lifestyle Risk Factors and Awareness of Stroke among Adults in Urban Areas

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Modifying risk factors and improving stroke awareness in the general community have been emphasized for preventing stroke. This study aimed to explore modifiable lifestyle risk factors and the awareness of stroke and to compare scores for stroke knowledge according to lifestyle risk factors and recognition of important indicators among adults in urban areas. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 196 participants aged 40 to 65 selected by a convenient sampling of community cultural centers, churches, and recreational groups. Participants completed a structured questionnaire including general characteristics, risk factors of stroke, and awareness of stroke including general knowledge, risk factors, reactions to warning symptoms, and knowledge on personal risk factors of stroke such as body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level. RESULTS: Less than 30% of the participants engaged in regular physical activity and low fat diet and 33% of the participants were classified as having 'higher' level of knowledge on stroke. Knowledge on their personal risk factors of stroke were generally poor. Scores for knowledge on stroke were not different for lifestyle risk factors and knowing whether their body weight and blood pressure level were within normal limits. Meanwhile, scores for knowledge on stroke were significantly higher among those knowing whether their blood sugar and cholesterol level were within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve stroke awareness among community adults by providing more targeted information on warning symptoms, risk factors of stroke, and important indicators of major conditions related to stroke and their contribution to stroke prevention.