Stroke knowledge and misconceptions among survivors of stroke and a non-stroke survivor sample.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate stroke knowledge, knowledge gaps, and misconceptions about stroke among stroke survivors and non-stroke survivors.


METHODS
Archival data from a stroke knowledge test administered to 38 non-stroke survivors (community sample) were compared to data collected for this study from 42 stroke survivors.


RESULTS
No difference in the overall level of stroke knowledge between groups was found. There were 12 issues about which stroke survivors and non-stroke survivors appear to have good understanding (e.g., the role of aspirin in preventing stroke). There were a smaller number of issues about which participants from both groups reported they lacked knowledge (e.g., the relationship between TIAs and stroke) or held erroneous beliefs (e.g., the effect of atrial fibrillation on stroke risk).


CONCLUSIONS
There is a continuing need for education about stroke. Particular areas on which such programs might need to focus are identified.
Sullivan
Karen
K
School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Waugh
Debra
D
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors