Trends in Community Knowledge of the Warning Signs and Risk Factors for Stroke

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Abstract
The inability of patients and bystanders to recognize stroke symptoms and to quickly access the emergency medical system are the largest barriers to effective acute stroke therapy.1-9 Previous surveys have shown that knowledge of stroke warning signs among persons who have had a stroke and the general public is poor, with only 39% to 61% able to name at least 1 stroke warning sign.10-13 Knowledge of stroke risk factors is also limited, with only 57% to 76% able to name at least 1 stroke risk factor.11,12 In 1998, we reported results of a 1995 survey of public knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors.10 The current observational study, using the same methods and survey instrument within the same population, evaluates public knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors in 2000 and examines changes over the 5-year period.