Knowledge on the stroke and behaviors to reduce the risk of stroke among risk persons in Samliam Community, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Stroke is one of the important causes of disability and death of Thai people. The best management method for stroke is prevention by providing health education, especially to persons with risk of stroke. This study aimed to explore the knowledge on the stroke and behaviors to reduce the risk of stroke among risk persons in Samliam community, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. One hundred and forty-four chronic disease patients with risk of stroke identified by the criteria of the Ministry of Public Health (99 women and 45 men, mean age 64.3 ± 9.5 years) were interviewed about their knowledge and behaviors about stroke. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. The study was conducted from January until June 2011. The results revealed that 52.8% and 76.4% of the participants had high levels of knowledge on the stroke and behaviors to reduce the risk of stroke, respectively. However, some participants had inappropriate knowledge on warning signs of stroke and nutritional behaviors. These findings could be useful for the primary care unit to specify a strategy of health education and behavioral change activities to persons with risk of stroke for developing Samliam community towards a stroke-free community. In addition, the may be useful for other communities which have a similar context.