Knowledge of Stroke Signs and Symptoms Among Residents in a Rural South Eastern Nigerian Community

Stroke is a global epidemic. Treatment is predicated on recognition of its signs and symptoms. We collected data from 182 participants at a local 2017 health fair in Adu-Achi, Oji-River local government area, Enugu State in South Eastern Nigeria. Demographic data of age and gender, knowledge of 2 or more stroke signs or symptoms, and educational level were collected. The data from 31 (17%) subjects were incomplete and excluded from the final analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the knowledge of ≥2 stroke symptoms and signs to age and education using Logistic and chi-square methods, respectively. A total of 151 eligible participants for analysis consisted of 121 (80.1%) females with a mean age of 56 (±14 years) and age range of 20-85years. Majority of the participants, 149 (98.7%) were unable to name 2 or more stroke signs or symptoms. Majority of the subjects, 137 (90.7%) attained highest education of elementary school. Postsecondary school education correlated with knowledge of 2 or more stroke signs and symptoms. Knowledge of stroke signs or symptoms is poor among the inhabitants of this rural South-Eastern Nigeria with highest educational attainment of elementary school as represented by this cross-sectional population study. The need to increase education and awareness of stroke in rural communities in South Eastern Nigeria is critically needed.