Knowledge, attitude and practices of the general population about Stroke.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) is a cause of a significant mortality and morbidity across the world (1) with case fatality of 18% to 42% (2). Many studies have identified lack of knowledge of presenting symptoms of stroke as a main cause for the delay in treatment initiation. Our study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices about stroke among the patients attendants and/or the first respondents of the patient. Aim: 1. To assess the knowledge of general public in identifying the symptoms of stroke. 2. To study the factors affecting the time interval between stroke symptom onset and reaching hospital. Methodology: This is a Cross sectional prospective study. The participants were asked questions in their mother tongue from the study protocol. Results: The study group has 140 participants with average age of 36 years. 55% are females, 60% are urban dwellers and 28% are illiterates. Urban dwellers have more knowledge of stroke. Literate participants could enumerate more symptoms. 50% of the participants said that the patient needs immediate hospitalization. 80% respondents have taken their stroke patient to the nearest hospital within 4 hours. 57% respondents have reached the hospital in an ambulance. Conclusion: Robust awareness programs, improving the literacy rates and establishing a well-coordinated communication network in the health care system will facilitate timely intervention and improved outcomes in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]