Knowledge of ischemic stroke among a Mexico City population.
BACKGROUND
Knowledge of risk factors (RF) and warning signs of stroke by the general population is fundamental to implement efficient preventive measures and provide timely treatment. The objective of this study was to assess this knowledge in a sample population of Mexico City.


METHODS
Personal interview was conducted in a multifamily building complex in Mexico City. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and comorbidity factors. Knowledge was determinated according to the number of correct answers. Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank tests were performed and significant variables were included in a multivariate logistic regression model using level of knowledge as the dependent variable.


RESULTS
A total of 330 subjects were interviewed. Of the respondents, 66.7% named one RF associated with ischemic stroke, whereas only 12.1% identified 3 or more; one warning sign was identified by 36.7% and only 2.1% identified 3 or more. The factors associated with knowledge of RF were history of hypertension, educational level, and family history of ischemic stroke. Educational level and a family history of stroke were also associated with knowledge of warning signs.


CONCLUSIONS
A Family history of ischemic stroke was the most important way to receive information about RF and warning signs of ischemic stroke. The study shows the need for informing the public about prevention and early detection of ischemic stroke.
Department of Neurology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, México. fernando.gongora@hotmail.com
Fernando
F
Góngora-Rivera
Eugenio
E
Gutiérrez-Jiménez
Marco Antonio
MA
Zenteno
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D003625:Data Collection; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult