Knowledge of warning signs and long term effects of stroke among University students in United Arab Emirates

Aim: Incidence of stroke has increased due to high prevalence of risk factors in the population of United Arab Emirates (UAE). We aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding the warning signs and long term effects of... [ view full abstract ]

Aim: Incidence of stroke has increased due to high prevalence of risk factors in the population of United Arab Emirates (UAE). We aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding the warning signs and long term effects of stroke among young adults of UAE.
Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey (with closed ended statements) was conducted on 342 University students in UAE. Healthcare related students were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: Mean age of the participants was 20±1.92 years with 58% females. Many students knew the definition of stroke (58.5%). Knowledge about Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and that “people who had TIA have a high risk of stroke” was less (16.6%). Students identified sudden appearance of any of the following as a warning sign of stroke: “Dizziness or loss of balance” (65.5%); “Numbness of one side of the face, arms, or legs”(60.7%); “Trouble in speaking”(54.1%); “Trouble walking” (53%); “Severe headache with no known cause”(45.7%); “Trouble seeing in one or both eyes” (43.6%). Only 31.3% knew that clot dissolving medicines given within 3-4 hours can significantly reduce the effects of stroke and permanent disability.
Regarding the long term effects of stroke they identified: “Paralysis on one side of the body” (74.7%); “Speech/language problem” (64.3%); “Memory loss” (53.4%); “Vision problem” (52.1%); “Impaired reading/writing skills” (46.3%).
Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about TIA may reduce the recognition of this strong predictor of stroke. Increasing awareness regarding warning signs and importance of seeking immediate medical help for stroke/TIA patients is warranted.