title: Stroke awareness in two Estonian cities: better knowledge in subjects with advanced age and higher education.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to assess stroke awareness of the Estonian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigators were asked to fill in an original, closed-ended multiple-choice questionnaire about the definition, risk factors, symptoms and behavior at the onset of stroke by randomly selected subjects in public places of the two biggest cities in Estonia (Tallinn and Tartu).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 355 persons. Most of the respondents knew that stroke is an acute disease and that one should call the ambulance at the onset of a stroke. Speech disorder and paresis were the best known symptoms, while hypertension was the best known risk factor. There were no differences between the sexes, but advanced age and higher level of education were related to higher awareness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall knowledge was better compared to many other studies. Future awareness campaigns should be addressed to younger subjects with lower education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. Riina.Vibo @ kliinikum.ee
authors.forename: Riina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vibo
authors.forename: Liisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kõrv
authors.forename: Merle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Väli
authors.forename: Kadi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tomson
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Piirsoo
authors.forename: Siim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Janika
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kõrv
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D002545:Brain Ischemia; D002648:Child; D004522:Educational Status; D004957:Estonia; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires