Knowledge of Stroke, Its Symptoms or Signs, Risk Factor and Practice of Prevention among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of disability globally. Deaths from stroke and stroke-related disability occur more in low-income and middle-income countries. However, most studies narrated a lack of public knowledge and practice related to stroke. This study aims to investigate stroke-related knowledge, associated factors, and prevention practices among Healthcare workers. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 200 Healthcare workers from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba Nigeria. They were selected by systematic sampling technique to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25 statistical package Findings: The mean age of respondents was 36.20 ± 10.60 years and they were predominantly females (56.5%). The respondents had good aggregate knowledge of stroke (84%), its warning signs or symptoms (72%), and risk factors (78%). However, the aggregate practice of stroke prevention among healthcare workers was poor (61%). There was a significant association (p < 0.0001) between good knowledge of stroke and Clinical Healthcare when compared with Non-Clinical Health Care workers [Chi-squares =27.1, 95%CI= (0.029-0.256)] but this did not affect their practice [Chi-square =3.570, p-value = 0.02, 95%CI= (0.321-1.023)] Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: There is a need for healthcare workers to encourage health educational programs on Knowledge and behavior-changing strategies toward stroke prevention practices.