Factors related to intention to perform stroke prevention behaviors among Persons with asymptomatic extracranial carotid artery stenosis

Abstract

This descriptive-correlational research examined the factors associated with the intention to perform stroke prevention behaviors in individuals with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The sample consisted of 93 people, who underwent carotid duplex ultrasonography at a private hospital in Bangkok and found that the carotid artery stenosis was less than 50%, had no stroke symptoms, and had never been diagnosed with stroke. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, an attitude toward stroke prevention behavior questionnaire, a subjective norm questionnaire, a perceived behavioral control questionnaire, and a behavioral intention questionnaire. These questionnaires were verified by three experts and obtained content validity index of 1 for all four questionnaires (the attitude toward stroke prevention behavior questionnaire, the subjective norm questionnaire, the perceived behavioral control questionnaire, and the behavioral intention questionnaire). The cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.77, 0.81, 0.76, and 0.97, respectively. Data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
The results of the study found that the majority of individuals with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis had a high level of intention to perform stroke prevention behaviors (Median=21.00, IQR=0). Attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were positively correlated with the intention to engage in stroke prevention behaviors, with statistical significance (=.261, =.429, =.549, p<.05, respectively). Therefore, encouraging positive attitudes, supporting from the health team, and providing continuous reinforcement of behavioral control would increase intention to practice stroke prevention behaviors in those with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.