| Abstrakt: |
Stroke is a major cause of disability and death. However, there needs to be wider community knowledge of stroke and its severity and symptoms that require prompt treatment as a vital management of stroke risks. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge of strokes and awareness of stroke severity and its impacts, and to explore the correlation between knowledge and awareness of stroke impacts on older people with stroke risk, on those without stroke risk, and on the younger family members living with older people. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in two sub-districts in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand among 233 and 189 elders with and without stroke risk, and 202 family members. They were purposively selected to complete the Personal Demographic Questionnaire, the Stroke Knowledge and Sources of Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Stroke Awareness Questionnaire. Results revealed that stroke knowledge and awareness of its impacts were high in all three groups and their mean scores were significantly different. The association between knowledge and awareness was statistically significant in older people with stroke risk, those without stroke risk, and the younger family members. Although the stroke knowledge and awareness of these populations were high, the maintenance of stroke knowledge and awareness of stroke severity is required. The provision of the first aid programs that incorporate stroke management and awareness is warranted at the community level as well, and nurses can be involved in such education and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
