Knowledge of Stroke in a Sub-urban Slum Community in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Despite stroke being a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in north central Nigeria, there is no information on community perception and knowledge of stroke symptoms. This study was designed to assess the knowledge of stroke in a suburban community.

Methods: This was community-based cross sectional observational study conducted at Kabong in Tudun Wada/Kabong ward of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State in north central Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select Kabong Community and all adults 18 years and above in the community were invited to participate in the study. The knowledge of stroke symptoms was assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The main outcome measure was the ability to identify stroke symptoms.

Results: There were 196 respondents with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 46.4 (± 16.7) years; their ages ranging from 18 – 84 years. Fifty-four percent could identify only one stroke symptom and this was “sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.” On multivariate logistic regression analysis, previous stroke education (Odds Ratio = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.008 – 0.147, p < 0.001) emerged as the independent predictor of ability to identify this stroke symptom.

Conclusion: Knowledge of stroke was poor among participants. Efforts should be made to improve stroke knowledge through deliberate health education of stroke patients, their relatives and the community by health care providers.