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Knowledge about ischemic stroke in Ecuadorian people

Abstract:

Introduction. The arrival of patients with ischemic stroke to the hospital in the period of the therapeutic window, depends to a great extent on the identification of their clinical signs and the recognition that it is a medical emergency. Methods. A prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a structured interview with closed questions. The aim was to assess the degree of the population’s knowledge about the ischemic stroke. Results. A total of 135 subjects without a diagnosis of stroke were interviewed, randomly selected from the relatives of patients. The average age was 42.6 years, women predominated (92 / 68.1%), with an average level of education. 95.5% (129 subjects) admitted having little knowledge about stroke. Only 11.1% correctly indicated the clinical manifestations; The most recognized symptom was damping (59.3%) followed by speech disorders. 80.9% (109 respondents) identify stroke as a preventable condition. Less than half of the participants adequately named the risk factors (66 / 48.9%). 88.2% take a correct attitude to the symptoms. Conclusions. In the group of people interviewed there is a perception of risk regarding stroke, but knowledge about the manifestations and vascular risk factors is poor. It is necessary to carry out information campaigns aimed to improve knowledge of the disease.