Perceptions and Management of Warning Signs among Persons at Risk of Stroke

Abstract

This correlational descriptive research aimed to study 1) perception of stroke risk factors, perception of stroke warning signs, stroke prevention management, stroke warning signs management, 2) relationships between the perception of stroke risk factor and stroke prevention management, and 3) relationships between the perception of stroke warning signs and stroke warning signs management among persons at risk of stroke. Sample was 398 persons at risk of stroke, recruited by using multi-stage sampling. The data were collected using questionnaires. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The study finding showed that sample’s perception of stroke risk factors, perception of stroke warning signs and stroke prevention management were at high levels, while stroke warning signs management was at a moderate level. Correlation analysis found that perception of stroke risk factors was significantly related to stroke prevention management (r = 0.383, p < .001) and perception of stroke warning signs was significantly related to stroke warning signs management (r = 0.224, p < .001).

The research result suggests that  health personnel should emphasize on providing information regarding stroke warning signs and stroke warning signs management for persons at risk of stroke so that that they will manage them well and be able to prevent disability.