Perception of stroke in Croatia--knowledge of stroke signs and risk factors amongst neurological outpatients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this hospital-based survey was to determine baseline stroke knowledge in Croatian population attending the outpatient services at the Department of Neurology.


METHODS
A multiple choice questionnaire was designed, divided into three sections: (i) demographic data, (ii) knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke signs and (iii) actions the patients would undertake if confronted with risk of stroke and information resources regarding health.


RESULTS
The analysis included 720 respondents (54.9% women). The respondents most frequently indicated stroke symptoms as following: speech disorder 82%, paresthesiae on one side of the body 71%, weakness of arm or leg 55%, unsteady gait 55%, malaise 53%, monocular loss of vision 44%. The risk factors most frequently identified were hypertension 64%, stress 61%, smoking 59%, elevated lipids 53%, obesity 52%, coagulation disorder 47%, alcoholism 45%, low-physical activity 42%, elderly age 39%, cardiac diseases 38%, weather changes 34%, drugs 33% and diabetes 32%. If confronted with stroke signs 37% of respondents would consult the general practitioner and 31% would call 911 or go to a neurologist. Amongst patients with a risk factor, only diabetics were aware that their risk factor might cause stroke (P < 0.001). Respondents with lowest education had the least knowledge regarding stroke signs (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that respondents showed a fair knowledge about stroke signs and risk factors for stroke. The results of our study will help to create and plan programmes for improvement of public health in Croatia.
Vuković
V
V
University Department of Neurology, University Hospital "Sestre Milosrdnice", Reference Centre for Neurovascular Disorders of Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia. vlasta.vukovic@uclmail.net
Mikula
I
I
Kesić
M J
MJ
Bedeković
M R
MR
Morović
S
S
Lovrencić-Huzjan
A
A
Demarin
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017523:Croatia; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires