Knowledge towards Stroke Risk Factors and Symptoms among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients Attending Chronic Follow-Up Clinic at Jimma University Medical Center

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a rapidly developed clinical sign of focal disturbance of cerebral function, lasting more than 24 hours attributed to vascular origin. It is the second and third leading cause of death and disability respectively. According to many studies, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are two major contributors to stroke events. Given the rising prevalence of stroke and its disproportionate impact on individuals with these conditions, there is a critical need to investigate and address the knowledge gaps surrounding stroke symptoms and risk factors among these populations. Objectives: to assess knowledge towards risk factors and symptoms of stroke among patients living with diabetes and/or hypertension and planned responses when suspecting an acute stroke. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study with 253 participants was conducted from January to March 2024 using a convenience sampling method, close-ended questions, and a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to show an association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were employed to measure the strength of associations in the final model. The findings were presented through texts, tables, and figures. Result: Among respondents (mean age 54.41 ± 13.261 SD), 11.5% demonstrated good knowledge of stroke symptoms and 15.4% of risk factors. Formal education (AOR = 3.11, 95%CI: 1.10-8.68) and having a relative with stroke (AOR= 2.61, 95%CI: 1.04-6.53) were significantly associated with good knowledge of stroke symptoms. Younger age groups (AOR = 2.83, 95%CI: 1.13-7.12), urban residence (AOR = 7.62, 95%CI: 2.55-22.79), formal education (AOR= 3.32, 95%CI: 1.26 8.78,), and higher income (AOR= 2.27, 95%CI: 1.02-5.07) were associated with good knowledge of stroke risk factors. Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed alarmingly low knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptoms among hypertensive and diabetic patients, highlighting the urgent need for stakeholders to prioritize stroke education.