Knowledge attitudes and perceptions of health workers towards the management of stroke at the University Hospital of the West Indies

ABSTRACT

Stroke continues to be a world-wide and national problem. In spite of all this there is little data published about the level of stroke knowledge among health workers in Jamaica. This study aimed to gain insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers at the University Hospital of the West Indies towards the management of stroke. Quantitative as well as qualitative surveys were carried out at the hospital. A total of 102 nurses and doctors completed a forty-nine (49) item self-administered questionnaire evaluating their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward stroke, on which statistical analyses of scores were performed. Focus group discussion sought clarification on the attitude component of the questionnaire among the nursing sample. Respondents were from both the public and private sections of the hospital. There were generally good attitudes demonstrated by both professions towards stroke. The minimun knowledge criterion score was met by 58 percent of the respondents, doctors scored significantly higher than nurses did. This was despite the fact that over seventy-five percent (75 percent)in both groups expressed satisfaction with their current level of stroke knowledge. Scoring high on the knowledge component was positively correlated with one's attitude. In discussion with the nurses, views were expressed in relation to the management of the stroke victim. There was a definite willingness to participate in courses aimed at improving stroke knowledge. Overall, the health workers demonstrated good attitudes towards stroke care but there are some suggestions of deficiencies in some areas of stroke management. Because of their role in the health care process health workers should be seen as important partners in the community health education process. Further research to confirm and develop strategies to manage stroke victim could have substantial public health impact, as stroke is so common (AU)