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Publications

Journal Article Ppublish

PubMed: 42617007 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_1243_25

Knowledge and Attitude Related to Stroke and Factors Associated with them Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Above in Kerala, India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Ann Indian Acad Neurol 29(4):570-578

Authors: Sankar S Sailesh, Vivek Nambiar, Jeby J Olickal, Kavumpurathu R Thankappan

Affiliations

  • Department of Public Health, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India.
  • Department of Stroke Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Data on community-level knowledge and attitudes toward stroke are limited in India, particularly in Kerala. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes toward stroke and identified associated factors among adults aged ≥18 years in Kerala.

METHODS

In this community-based cross-sectional study, 576 adults (mean age: 43 years; 44% male) were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data on stroke knowledge and attitudes were collected using a pretested structured interview schedule. Log-binomial regression was used to determine factors associated with higher knowledge and positive attitudes.

RESULTS

Overall, 53.3% identified the brain as the organ affected by stroke, and 26.6% correctly recognized the treatment window (<4.5 hours). High knowledge was observed in 48.9% of participants and was significantly associated with older age ( P < 0.001), female sex ( P = 0.014), urban residence ( P < 0.001), college education ( P = 0.022), health insurance ( P = 0.002), family history of stroke ( P = 0.025), and receiving information from academic sources ( P = 0.015) or interpersonal communication ( P < 0.001). A positive attitude was reported by 44.4% and was more common among females ( P = 0.016), rural residents ( P = 0.030), college-educated adults ( P = 0.022), people with a family history of stroke ( P = 0.007), and those informed through academic sources ( P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Key gaps persisted in recognizing stroke symptoms and the treatment window. Knowledge and attitudes were better among females and educated individuals, highlighting the need for targeted education in this population.

MeSH

Cross-Sectional Studies, Stroke, Public Health, Aged, Risk Factors, Therapeutics, History, Education