Knowledge of Early Stroke Detection Among Patients With Hypertension in Urban Population: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Rosyidah Arafat, Alif Muhammad Islam, Elly L. Sjattar, Syahrul Ningrat, Lee Wang LingBackground
Hypertension is one of the primary risk factors for stroke, and nearly 80% of stroke cases can potentially be prevented through increased awareness and early detection. However, previous studies indicate that patients with hypertension often demonstrate inadequate stroke prevention behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge related to early stroke detection among hypertensive patients.
Methods
This descriptive quantitative study utilized a cross‐sectional design, with 236 respondents recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) and analyzed through univariate statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.
Results
Among the 236 respondents, 53.4% demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge, 31.4% had low knowledge, and the remaining respondents showed a high level of knowledge. The average knowledge score was 64.61 (SD = 13.57; range = 26–97). Participants aged 20–44 years had the highest proportion of high knowledge levels (11.4%), whereas older adults aged over 60 years were more commonly classified in the low‐knowledge category (36.1%).
Conclusion
The greater proportion of low knowledge among older adults highlights a priority population for targeted education. Integrating structured stroke recognition education into routine hypertension care may strengthen preparedness for early symptom recognition and facilitate timely access to emergency stroke services.