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. 2024 Oct 1:12:1400409.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1400409. eCollection 2024.

Post-implementation knowledge retention of stroke: the lasting influence of FAST Heroes

Emilia Orologa  1 , Maria Baskini  1 , Kalliopi Tsakpounidou  1 , Christos Keramydas  2 , Hariklia Proios  1   3
Affiliations

Post-implementation knowledge retention of stroke: the lasting influence of FAST Heroes

Emilia Orologa et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: FAST Heroes is a kindergarten-based educational program that teaches young children and their extended families (parents, grandparents), the main stroke symptoms (Face, Arm, and Speech), and the timely and appropriate steps in the event of a suspected stroke (Time). However, post-campaign knowledge retention remains a challenge.

Aims: The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether and to what extent grandparents' stroke knowledge is maintained 44 months after the initial implementation of the program.

Methods: Forty-five participants engaged in the present study (35 women, 10 men; 72.8§5.3) and completed an adapted version of the FAST Heroes Stroke Preparedness Questionnaire via phone calls.

Results: Compared to immediately post-program implementation, respondents were still able to recall arm weakness (OR = 1.63; p = 0.246) and slurred speech (OR = 2.02; p = 0.075) as main stroke symptoms. A decrease was observed in recalling facial drooping (OR = 0.44; p = 0.042). Reporting of the appropriate course of action, was found to be increased (OR = 4.17; p < 0.001). Respondents remembered the emergency number to call, i.e., 112 (OR = 0.97; p = 0.947).

Conclusion: The results showed that awareness regarding the common signs of a stroke and the importance of promptly contacting emergency services following a stroke, in the population group mostly affected by stroke, is retained. Exploring knowledge preservation in a greater sample size is warranted.

Keywords: FAST Heroes; health education; intergenerational learning; knowledge retention; stroke knowledge; stroke symptom knowledge.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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