Original Paper

Changes in Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs among Michigan Adults
Mathew J. Reeves^a, Ann P. Rafferty^b, Alison A.R. Aranha^a, Velma Theisen<sup>b

a</sup>Department of Epidemiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University,
^bMichigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, Mich., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Cerebrovasc Dis 2008;25:385-391 (DOI: 10.1159/000121338)

  Key Words

• Public awareness, stroke risks
• Stroke warning signs
• Stroke risk factors

  Abstract

Background: Increasing the public's awareness of stroke is a public health priority. Our objective was to assess changes in the public's knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in Michigan during a 5-year period characterized by a sustained statewide public education effort. Methods: Questions regarding knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs were included in the 1999 and 2004 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys - random-digit-dialed statewide surveys of adults. Respondents were asked to report up to 3 risk factors and warning signs for stroke. Results: Between 1999 and 2004, the proportion of respondents who reported 3 correct stroke warning signs increased substantially from 14.3 to 27.6% (p < 0.001), whereas the proportion reporting 3 correct risk factors remained almost unchanged (27.9 vs. 29.1%). The reporting of 2 warning signs in particular increased substantially over the 5-year period; 'any weakness or numbness' increased from 45.7 to 65.6%, while 'confusion, trouble speaking or understanding' increased from 29.9 to 46.5%. Knowledge of stroke warning signs increased across nearly all demographic subgroups, but remained poor for several high-risk groups including the elderly, minorities and those with less education. Conclusions: Knowledge of warning signs increased during this period while there was little change in knowledge of risk factors. The results suggest that these changes occurred in response to the public education campaign which focused primarily on warning signs. The findings further emphasize the need to target those subgroups who are at highest risk of stroke and where knowledge remains poorest.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Mathew J. Reeves, Ph.D.
Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University
B601 West Fee Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824 (USA)
Tel. +1 517 353 8623, Fax +1 517 432 1130, E-Mail reevesm@msu.edu

  Article Information

Received: September 20, 2007
Accepted: October 12, 2007
Published online: March 17, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 28