Perception of stroke and knowledge of potential risk factors among Omani patients at increased risk for stroke.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have demonstrated poor knowledge of stroke among patients with established risk factors. This study aims to assess the baseline knowledge, among patients with increased risk for stroke in Oman, of warning symptoms of stroke, impending risk factors, treatment, and sources of information.


METHODS
In April 2005, trained family practice residents at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Clinics (cardiology, neurology, diabetic, and lipid clinics), using a standardised, structured, pre-tested questionnaire, conducted a survey of 400 Omani patients. These patients all demonstrated potential risk factors for stroke.


RESULTS
Only 35% of the subjects stated that the brain is the organ affected by a stroke, 68% correctly identified at least one symptom/sign of a stroke, and 43% correctly identified at least one stroke risk factor. The majority (62%) did not believe they were at increased risk for stroke, and 98% had not been advised by their attending physician that their clinical conditions were risk factors for stroke. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower age and higher levels of education were associated with better knowledge regarding the organ involved in stroke, stroke symptoms, and risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Because their knowledge about stroke risk factors was poor, the subjects in this study were largely unaware of their increased risk for stroke. Intensive health education is needed to improve awareness of stroke, especially among the most vulnerable groups.
Al Shafaee
Mohammed A
MA
Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. shafaee4@omantel.net.om
Ganguly
Shyam S
SS
Al Asmi
Abdullah R
AR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009850:Oman / Q000453:epidemiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires