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.