Knowledge and Attitude Related to Stroke and Factors Associated with them Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Above in Kerala, India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Data on community-level knowledge and attitudes toward stroke are limited in India, particularly in Kerala. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes toward stroke and identified associated factors among adults aged ≥18 years in Kerala.

METHODS

In this community-based cross-sectional study, 576 adults (mean age: 43 years; 44% male) were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data on stroke knowledge and attitudes were collected using a pretested structured interview schedule. Log-binomial regression was used to determine factors associated with higher knowledge and positive attitudes.

RESULTS

Overall, 53.3% identified the brain as the organ affected by stroke, and 26.6% correctly recognized the treatment window (<4.5 hours). High knowledge was observed in 48.9% of participants and was significantly associated with older age ( P < 0.001), female sex ( P = 0.014), urban residence ( P < 0.001), college education ( P = 0.022), health insurance ( P = 0.002), family history of stroke ( P = 0.025), and receiving information from academic sources ( P = 0.015) or interpersonal communication ( P < 0.001). A positive attitude was reported by 44.4% and was more common among females ( P = 0.016), rural residents ( P = 0.030), college-educated adults ( P = 0.022), people with a family history of stroke ( P = 0.007), and those informed through academic sources ( P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Key gaps persisted in recognizing stroke symptoms and the treatment window. Knowledge and attitudes were better among females and educated individuals, highlighting the need for targeted education in this population.