Variation in Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs by Age and Presence of Conventional Risk Factors: A Community Health Survey in Korea

Abstract

Background It is important to recognize stroke in the general public. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting knowledge of stroke warning signs (SWSs) according to age group in the Korean population. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study. Using data from the Korean Community Health Survey conducted in Korea in 2017, 198 403 subjects were analyzed. Knowledge about SWSs was assessed by face-to-face interviews using structured close-ended questionnaires with 5 items about stroke symptoms (sudden unilateral weakness of face, arm or leg; sudden difficulty in speaking, or trouble understanding speech; sudden visual impairment in 1 eye, or double vision; sudden dizziness or loss of balance; and sudden severe headache). Results The overall percentage of subjects with good knowledge of SWSs (>4 correct answers to the SWS questionnaire) was 66.5%. It was highest in the middle-aged subjects (72.6%), followed by the young subjects (63.5%) and the older subjects (61.5%). The youngest of the young subjects and the oldest of the older subjects had the least knowledge. Subjects with conventional risk factors generally had more knowledge about SWSs, except for those with diabetes mellitus. However, in the young subjects, knowledge about SWSs was not increased by the presence of conventional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Conclusion Stoke risk factors are increasing among young people; they still have poor knowledge about SWSs. More education is needed to increase appropriate treatment, especially in young people with stroke-related risk factors.