AWARENESS OF STROKE, KNOWLEDGE OF STROKE RISK FACTORS AND THEIR PREVALENCE AMONG THE POPULATION OF 18+ IN THE SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF NORTH MACEDONIA

  • Danijela Vojtikiv Samoilovska D-r Danijela, Private Neurology Practice, Tetovo, North Macedonia
  • Maja Bozinovska 2. Special Hospital for Orthopedics and Traumatology St. Erazmo, Ohrid, North Macedonia
  • Anita Arsovska University Clinic of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Ljupco Efremov American University od the Middle East, Kuwait City Metropolitan Area, Kuwait
  • Jovanka Sion Dolenc General Public Hospital, Ohrid, North Macedonia
  • Elena Lickova Clinical Public Hospital, Stip, North Macedonia
  • Rodna Kozlovska Public Health Polyclinic, Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Suzana Trajkovska Public Health Polyclinic, Skopje, North Macedonia
  • Sanja Zikova General Public Hospital 8-th September, Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

Reduction in the risk of stroke and increase in the speed of hospital presentation, after the onset of stroke, depend on the level of knowledge of stroke in the general population. The aim was to assess: community knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors,  information resources, as well as self-reported prevalence of established risk factors,  among 18 +  population. Materials and metods :cross-sectional study was conducted   by members of the  Association for fight against stroke- “Mozocen Udar Ohrid”,   through face to face  and  telephone interviews,   in the period of March 2019 to April 2021. In total  576 respondents, older  than 18, residents of Southwest region of our country.  Results: 48% of them are up to 49 years,  52 % are older than 50 years.  The most reconaised stroke risk factors were:  hypertension (38%) ,  smoking (17%), stress (15%) and lipids (13%). 44% of the respondents didn’t mention any stroke risk factor. 46%  respondents  don’t know how to recognize stroke.  29% of them   mentioned paralysis on part of the body, 22% speech problems  and 14 % face paralysis. Main source of information for stroke is internet,  mentioned by 42%. 42 %  stated that have  hypertension, 33% stated high level of triglycerides, 25%  stated that they have 1-6 drinks  per week, 20% stated that they were inactive in last week . Conclusion: A community-based education program to increase public knowledge of stroke   should be considred, internet and TV are  powerful tools.


Key words: stroke, risk factors, public knowledge.

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Published
2022-12-29
How to Cite
VOJTIKIV SAMOILOVSKA, Danijela et al. AWARENESS OF STROKE, KNOWLEDGE OF STROKE RISK FACTORS AND THEIR PREVALENCE AMONG THE POPULATION OF 18+ IN THE SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF NORTH MACEDONIA. Journal of Morphological Sciences, [S.l.], v. 5, n. 3, p. 91-97, dec. 2022. ISSN 2545-4706. Available at: <http://jms.mk/jms/article/view/vol5no3-15>. Date accessed: 29 mar. 2024.
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Articles