Stroke awareness in two Estonian cities: better knowledge in subjects with advanced age and higher education

Abstract

Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess stroke awareness of the Estonian population.

Methods: Investigators were asked to fill in an original, closed-ended multiple-choice questionnaire about the definition, risk factors, symptoms and behavior at the onset of stroke by randomly selected subjects in public places of the two biggest cities in Estonia (Tallinn and Tartu).

Results: The study included 355 persons. Most of the respondents knew that stroke is an acute disease and that one should call the ambulance at the onset of a stroke. Speech disorder and paresis were the best known symptoms, while hypertension was the best known risk factor. There were no differences between the sexes, but advanced age and higher level of education were related to higher awareness.

Conclusions: The overall knowledge was better compared to many other studies. Future awareness campaigns should be addressed to younger subjects with lower education.