Factors Predicting Access to the Acute Stroke Treatment Service System of Ban Lad Hospital in Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

This predictive research aims to study the factors influencing access to acute stroke care services at Ban Lad Hospital, Phetchaburi Province. The sample group consisted of 104 acute stroke patients who received treatment at Ban Lad Hospital, Phetchaburi Province, who were selected through purposive random sampling. Data was collected between October and December 2023. The research tools included questionnaires assessing the perception of stroke severity, recognition of stroke warning signs, and access to emergency medical services, referral network systems, and stroke-related information. The instruments’ reliability coefficients were .93, .92, and .93, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple stepwise regression analysis.

The study found that the average level of access to acute stroke care services was at the highest level. The recognition of stroke warning signs was the most predictive factor affecting access and was statistically significant (p< .01) Following this was the perception of stroke severity. These two factors together predicted 47.30% of access to acute stroke care services. This research can serve to highlight the  need for developing guidelines to promote the awareness of stroke warning signs and the perception of stroke severity among at-risk groups, family members of at-risk individuals, and at-risk communities, as well as the general public and healthcare volunteers which will improve timely and effective access to acute stroke care services.