Stroke Knowledge and Response Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Population-Based Survey.

Autor:	Bajandouh WM; Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU., Alotaibi TN; Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU., Alharbi AR; Neurology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, SAU., Alzahrani SA; Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU., Alghamdi GA; Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU., Aleissi AH; Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU., Rashed A; Emergency Medicine, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, SAU., Shatla M; Medicine, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, SAU.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Jul 28; Vol. 16 (7), pp. e65587. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 28 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.65587
Abstrakt:	Introduction: Stroke, a condition that disrupts brain function and can result in long-lasting clinical symptoms or death, remains a substantial global health concern. General awareness of stroke leads to a proper response to stroke, pursuit of medical treatment, and a better outcome. Our study aims to explore how the general Saudi Arabian population responds to stroke, investigate the relationship between stroke knowledge and appropriate actions, and identify the most relied upon medical information source about stroke among the public. By highlighting these aspects, we aspire to contribute to the development of effective stroke prevention and management strategies in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional, web-based study was carried out across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. Data collection involved a validated online questionnaire (STAT) in Arabic, targeting adults aged 18 and older. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The study included 390 participants. Notable findings emerged regarding the recognition of stroke symptoms and the factors influencing this recognition. A substantial proportion of respondents correctly identified visual disturbances (55.9%), motor impairment (39.5%), cardiac symptoms (56.2%), sensory symptoms (32.8%), chest pain (62.6%), and arm weakness (36.7%) as indicators requiring immediate medical attention. However, there were lower correct response rates for symptoms such as sudden dizziness (22.8%), confusion (16.9%), difficulty understanding (27.9%), and urinary symptoms (26.9%). Older individuals and retirees generally scored higher in correctly identifying these symptoms. Conclusion: Our study highlights a commendable level of awareness of certain stroke symptoms, such as visual disturbances and chest pain, among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, notable gaps remain in recognizing other symptoms, such as sudden dizziness and confusion. This identification gap presents a clear opportunity for targeted educational initiatives that are essential to improving public recognition of these symptoms. By addressing these gaps, we aim to enhance the response to stroke incidents, potentially improving outcomes and reducing morbidity rates. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee issued approval HAPO-02-K-012-2023-10-1781. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Bajandouh et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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