Assessing awareness of appropriate responses to symptoms of stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The study explored (1) the level of awareness, and associates of greater awareness, of the appropriate action to take in response to stroke symptoms; and (2) actions taken in response to potential stroke symptoms, among general practice patients.


METHODS
Patients attending general practice clinics in New South Wales, Australia completed a paper and pencil survey.


RESULTS
308 participants returned the survey. 76% indicated they would call an ambulance within 10min for 'difficulty speaking or understanding others, with blurred vision (in one eye), and face, arm or leg weakness or numbness (on one side of the body)'. Having a first degree relative with a history of stroke was significantly associated with greater awareness of the appropriate action to take in response to stroke symptoms. Of those reporting they had experienced 'dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall' 80% did not call an ambulance at the time of experiencing this symptom.


CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be high awareness of the appropriate response to take for stroke symptoms among this sample, however this does not translate into actions when individuals experience a potential stroke symptom.


CONCLUSIONS
Education campaigns should be targeted towards individuals without a family history of stroke.
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address: Alice.Grady@newcastle.edu.au.
Alice
A
Grady
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
Mariko
M
Carey
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
Rob
R
Sanson-Fisher
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001364:Awareness; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Acute stroke therapy; Awareness; Community; Education; Stroke; Treatment