Stroke recognition among individuals with stroke risk factors

BACKGROUND: This study examined recognition of all 5 early warning signs/symptoms of stroke and appropriate first action to call 9-1-1 across stroke risk groups. METHODS: Data from 264,684 adults from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were examined. Recognition of the 5 warning signs/symptoms of stroke and appropriate first action to call 9-1-1 was compared among 3 stroke risk groups-no stroke risk factors, stroke risk factors, and prior stroke, using multiple logistic regression controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Recognition of the 5 individual warning signs of stroke ranged from 82% to 98%. Cumulative recognition of all 5 warning signs of stroke ranged from 30.8% in individuals with prior stroke to 12.6% in those with no stroke risk factors. Cumulative recognition of all 5 warning signs of stroke and taking appropriate action to call 9-1-1 ranged from 26.1% in individuals with prior stroke to 11.2% in those with no stroke risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios for recognition of all 5 symptoms was 3.35 for individuals with previous stroke and 1.15 for individuals with stroke risk factors, compared with the reference group (individuals without stroke risk factors). Adjusted odds ratios for recognition of all 5 symptoms and taking appropriate action to call 9-1-1 was 3.06 for individuals with previous stroke and 1.14 for individuals with stroke risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of individual stroke warning symptoms is high in general. Cumulative recognition of stroke warning signs and taking appropriate action is very low, although higher in those with prior stroke.