Knowledge and attitudes towards stroke among workers in three university hospitals in Egypt

Knowledge and attitudes towards stroke among workers in three university hospitals in Egypt

Journal of the Neurological Sciences (Impact Factor: 2.26). 10/2013; 333:e261. DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.1003

Abstract

— WCN 2013

No: 2740 Topic: 3 — Stroke Knowledge and attitudes towards stroke among workers in three university hospitals in Egypt S. El-Mouslya , H. Hamdyb , A. Abdel-Monemb , A.M. Abdelalimc ,N. El Sherbinyd , S.M. Ahmedc , R.R. Moustafab , H. Samirc , T.H. Emarab , H. Abdel Ghaffare , A. Abdel Barf , S.H. Abuzeidf . a Neurology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt; b Neurology, Ain Shams University, Egypt; c Neurology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; d Public Health, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt; e Paediatrics, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt; f Neurosurgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Background

The rising global burden of stroke is more pronounced in the less developed world, including Egypt.

Objective

To evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes towards stroke among workers affiliated to hospitals in Egypt.

Material and methods

This is a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study of workers affiliated to three university hospitals in Egypt using convenience sampling over 3 months. They were classified into clinical (Health care staff and pre-clinical medical students) and non-clinical workers (e.g. Administrative & sanitary staff). A structured self-administered questionnaire of knowledge and attitudes towards stroke was developed.

Results

Of 468 questionnaires administered, 396 were completed. Most respondents have heard of stroke before (98.4%). The most commonly identified risk factors of stroke were hypertension, stress, smoking and high cholesterol levels. Age and lack of exercise were among the least recognized. There were no differences between clinical and non-clinical workers in knowledge about the risk factors of stroke expect for unhealthy diet (p = 0.007) and obesity (p b 0.001). Clinical workers were more likely to identify the symptoms of stroke. Non-clinical workers were more likely to go to hospital (p b 0.001).

Conclusion

Knowledge of stroke among workers in the three studied university hospitals is poor. There is a discrepancy in level of knowledge and attitude towards stroke between clinical and nonclinical workers. This addresses the need for public stroke education programs to improve public awareness of stroke in Egypt.

doi:10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.1003