Comparative Evaluation of Stroke Awareness of Individuals Whose First-Degree Relatives had a Stroke and that of Individuals Whose First-Degree Relatives Did Not.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the stroke awareness levels of individuals whose first-degree relatives had a stroke and to compare the results with those of individuals whose first-degree relatives did not have a stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2019, with first-degree relatives of patients who had a stroke (group 1) and a comparable set of individuals whose first-degree relatives did not have a stroke (group 2). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire asking about signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, information sources, responses after the development of stroke, and early treatment of stroke. RESULTS: In response to the questions about the signs and symptoms of stroke, group 1 mentioned dizziness and comprehension disorder as a symptom of stroke more frequently than the other group. Stress was the second most frequently mentioned risk factor (by 81% of group 1 and 80.5% in group 2). When the participants were asked about the sources of information about stroke, family circle and friends were the most frequently mentioned sources for both groups. CONCLUSION: The present study can serve as a guide in planning training to improve stroke awareness in the future, especially by including individuals whose first-degree relatives had a stroke.