Publication
STRAW-II „STRoke AWareness“ - Awareness of Stroke in a small region of Switzerland in comparison with international population based epidemiological studie
Conference Paper/Poster - Sep 27, 2018
Walch Julia
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Brief description/objective
Background and Aim
Effective therapeutic opportunities with good functional outcome and quality of life are available for ischemic strokes. As “time” is still one of the most relevant factors for successful treatment patient information about stroke symptoms and the correct behaviour in an emergency situation is essential.
The aim of STRAW-II was to assess the knowledge about stroke symptoms and therapy in a region in Eastern Switzerland after a 2 year period of public relations aiming to improve the results of STRAW-I. Public relations included a nation-wide media campaign via TV, cinemas and print media supported by the Swiss Heart Foundation as well as regional public events and newspaper advertisements.
Methods
The survey was conducted from April to June 2017 in 12 different local GP offices. The questionnaire consisted of exactly the same 9 questions as in 2015.
Results
405 people (169 men, 236 women) aged between 18 and 71 years took part in the survey. The distribution of age and education was comparable with the results in 2015 though less questionnaires were completed in 2017 (405 vs. 550).
Again the majority knew the common stroke symptoms like hemiparesis and aphasia and also most of the participants would call 144 (81 % vs. 86% in 2015). Compared to 2015 only 17% instead of 24% would see their GP first but unexpectedly 32% would stay with the patient doing nothing (2015 only 1,45%). In case of eye symptoms still 52% (56% in 2015) would contact the ophthalmologist first. Only 46% (60% in 2015) knew about the possibility of acute medical treatment.
Discussion
Our results show a good knowledge in terms of common stroke symptoms except for eye symptoms. The intention to call 144 is high, but knowledge of acute stroke treatment is low.
Conclusion
Despite 2 years of effort to improve the populations knowledge about stroke symptoms, the need of a fast transport via 144 to a specialized stroke centre for acute stroke treatment, the results are disappointing.