Evaluation of knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke among paramedical students
Lecturer, Faculty of Allied health Sciences, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute 6369831172, India.
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 19(03), 054–063.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.19.3.0523
Publication history:
Received on 01 July 2024; revised on 21 August 2024; accepted on 24 August 2024
Abstract:
Stroke is a medical emergency caused by a blockage or rupture in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This prevents brain tissue from receiving oxygen, leading to the death of brain cells within minutes and causing neurological damage, disability, or death.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess baseline knowledge regarding stroke risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and information resources. The “golden hour” is a time span of 60 minutes or less after stroke symptoms begin. There are two types of stroke, namely ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is further divided into thrombotic and embolic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke is further divided into intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Methods: The research method used in the study is a quantitative research approach. Purposive sampling techniques were used and 1050 participants were assessed The questionnaire consists of demographic details such as department, level of education, family history, and knowledge questions based on risk factors and management.
Results: This study comprises 1040 patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria. The survey assessed the knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke among future healthcare professionals (pharmacy, nursing, and AHS). The current findings reported that 51.8% of the paramedical students had knowledge about stroke, while the majority of them reported poor knowledge overall. The findings identified that 57.4% of the student population were knowledgeable about risk factors, 69.9% were knowledgeable about warning signs, and 51.8% were knowledgeable about management. These results were similar to many previous studies conducted around the world.
Conclusion: Better knowledge about stroke, recognizing the risk factors, and being able to provide immediate management are essential for paramedical students. This is crucial for reducing stroke incidence and improving survival rates of patients by providing better medical help through early detection, rapid intervention, and better long-term health outcomes not only in a medical setup but also in their respective environments.
Keywords:
Stroke; Ischemic stroke; Hemorrhagic stroke; Thrombotic stroke; Embolic stroke; Intracerebral hemorrhage; Subarachnoid hemorrhage
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