title: Stroke literacy in Singapore: data from a survey of public housing estate residents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge of stroke symptoms is associated with seeking medical attention early, and knowledge of risk factors is an essential factor in stroke prevention. In this study, we evaluated the level of stroke literacy in Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 21 years and above was conducted in a public housing estate. Participants were randomly sampled using multi-stage stratified sampling. Assessment of awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors was performed using open-ended questions. In total, 687 respondents were recruited, with a response rate of 69.7%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 52.4% of respondents identified the brain as the source of pathology, and 47.6% could cite at least 1 of the 3 FAST symptoms (facial droop, arm weakness and speech difficulty), while 40% could name 2 or more of 7 established risk factors for stroke (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, older age, previous heart attacks and stroke). Respondents at higher risk of stroke (older individuals and those with stroke risk factors) did not have greater awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors. The majority of respondents reported they would seek immediate medical care if they experienced stroke symptoms. Only 59.4% knew the emergency ambulance service telephone number.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a sample of Singaporean adults residing in a public housing estate, we found evidence of poor stroke literacy, highlighting the need for comprehensive population-based education efforts. There is a role for opportunistic education among those at higher risk of stroke.
authors.affiliation: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Weiyen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Ding Fang
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Chuang
authors.forename: Koy Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chue
authors.forename: Damian Z
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Zhi Guang
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Kailing
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Xiayan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Ye Ni
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Tham
authors.forename: Kangjie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Deidre Anne
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: De Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011638:Public Housing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012846:Singapore; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D020521:Stroke; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult