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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Neurol., 23 July 2025

Sec. Stroke

Volume 16 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1608381

Improving stroke awareness through a culturally adapted audiovisual intervention in the United Arab Emirates

Michelle Cherfane,,Michelle Cherfane1,2,3Jihan Safwan,
Jihan Safwan3,4*Chadia Haddad,,,Chadia Haddad1,3,5,6Hala Sacre,Hala Sacre3,7Pascale Salameh,,,Pascale Salameh1,3,8,9Rawan ElkerenawyRawan Elkerenawy2Tala Abou El KheirTala Abou El Kheir2Mariam Al NuaimiMariam Al Nuaimi2Leen Abou MattarLeen Abou Mattar2Hassan HosseiniHassan Hosseini3Fouad Sakr,Fouad Sakr3,4Katia Iskandar,,Katia Iskandar3,4,8
  • 1Gilbert and Rose-Mary Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
  • 2College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • 3Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
  • 4School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 5Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 6Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 7Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 8Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
  • 9University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus

Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a brief, culturally tailored educational video in improving stroke-related knowledge among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: A pre-post intervention study was conducted with 407 UAE residents aged 25 years and older. Participants viewed a 3-min educational video addressing stroke symptoms, risk factors, and preventive strategies. Stroke knowledge was measured using a structured questionnaire immediately before and after the video. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and linear regression models.

Results: Stroke knowledge significantly increased following the intervention (mean score: 20.80 pre-test to 23.53 post-test; p < 0.001), with notable improvements in identifying symptoms and risk factors. Regression analyses indicated that female gender, higher education, and healthy lifestyle practices positively influenced knowledge gains, whereas older age was associated with smaller improvements.

Conclusion: A brief, culturally relevant audiovisual intervention effectively enhances stroke-related knowledge. Such scalable educational tools should be integrated into global public health strategies to promote earlier stroke recognition and intervention.

Introduction

Stroke remains a leading global cause of death and long-term disability, significantly impacting public health worldwide (1). The increasing burden of stroke is particularly pronounced in rapidly urbanizing countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has experienced dramatic economic growth and improved living standards over recent decades (2). This rapid socioeconomic transition has been accompanied by significant shifts in lifestyle, characterized by increased sedentary behaviors, unhealthy diets, and consequently heightened prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases (3, 4).

In the Middle Eastern region, especially in the UAE, the incidence of stroke has risen sharply due to demographic transitions, notably an aging population, and widespread adoption of lifestyle behaviors conducive to chronic disease development (5). Despite these increasing risks, public awareness and recognition of stroke symptoms and associated risk factors remain limited, often leading to delayed medical intervention and suboptimal clinical outcomes (6).

Evidence suggests that targeted educational interventions—especially brief, audiovisual tools—can significantly improve public knowledge of stroke. For example, a recent interventional study demonstrated that a short video-based tool effectively enhanced stroke-related knowledge among lay populations (7). Similarly, structured public health interventions, such as campaigns employing the FAST acronym (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services), have demonstrated effectiveness in improving stroke symptom recognition and facilitating quicker medical response (8).

Extensive research underscores the importance of enhancing public knowledge as a vital component of stroke prevention and management, especially among populations at higher risk (9, 10). Effective public health messaging can significantly influence individual behaviors, encourage preventive practices, and reduce the time taken to seek emergency care, thereby decreasing stroke-related morbidity and mortality (1114).

The current study aims to evaluate the impact of a culturally tailored educational video intervention designed specifically for the UAE population. It seeks to measure changes in public awareness regarding stroke symptoms, risk factors, and preventive strategies, assessing knowledge before and after exposure to the intervention. This study does not assess long-term retention or behavioral change, which would require more extensive longitudinal or community-based designs. Nonetheless, the findings offer insight into the potential value of brief, scalable audiovisual education tools for enhancing stroke preparedness in rapidly developing settings.

Methods

Study design

This study utilized a pre-post intervention approach without a control group, conducted from July to September 2022. The primary aim was to assess the impact of a culturally tailored educational video on public awareness regarding stroke, while also examining demographic and lifestyle factors that could influence the effectiveness of the intervention.

Participants

The study population included adults aged 25 years and older residing in the UAE. This specific demographic was chosen because adulthood marks a critical period when lifestyle behaviors solidify, and many stroke risk factors start to develop, making it an ideal time frame for effective preventive educational interventions (15). Participants were recruited using various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to ensure wide demographic reach. Eligibility criteria included: age ≥ 25 years, residence in the UAE, and provision of informed electronic consent. Individuals with formal prior stroke training or cognitive impairment were excluded.

Ethical considerations

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at [Blinded for review] (approval code CoHS–22-05-00018, dated May 16, 2022). All study procedures complied with the ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants provided informed consent electronically by confirming their understanding of the study objectives and voluntarily agreeing to participate. They were informed of their right to withdraw at any point without any repercussions and were not offered financial incentives.

Sample size calculation

A sample size calculation was performed using G-Power software (version 3.0.10). With an anticipated small effect size (f2 = 0.0526, corresponding to an R2 = 0.05) and accounting for up to 15 predictors within multiple regression analyses, a minimum of 371 participants was required to achieve 80% statistical power at an alpha level of 0.05. To allow for potential participant drop-out or incomplete responses, the target sample size was set at approximately 400 participants.

Online survey instrument

The survey instrument was developed using Google Forms and featured a 3-min educational video titled “Think Fast, Act Fast to Save a Life,” aligned with educational standards set by the American Stroke Association. To ensure linguistic and cultural appropriateness, both the questionnaire and video underwent rigorous translation processes based on World Health Organization guidelines (16), including forward translation to Arabic and back-translation to English. Any discrepancies encountered were resolved collaboratively among the translators and the principal investigator. A panel of bilingual stroke and public health experts reviewed all materials for accuracy and cultural suitability.

The survey comprised six sections: (1) demographic details, (2) lifestyle behaviors, (3) self-reported health status, (4) stroke knowledge pre-test (assessing awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention measures), (5) viewing of the educational video (offered in English and Arabic), and (6) stroke knowledge post-test, repeating the pre-test questions.

The stroke knowledge test included 30 items assessing awareness of stroke symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. The questionnaire was validated through expert review for face and content validity. A pilot test with 20 participants confirmed clarity and usability. A 3-point increase equated to a 10% gain in correct responses, deemed meaningful for a brief, single-session intervention.

Video content and development

The 3-min video titled Think FAST, Act FAST to Save a Life was developed based on evidence-based guidelines from the American Stroke Association and WHO stroke education resources. It included visual and audio content addressing stroke warning signs (FAST acronym), key risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, smoking), preventive measures (e.g., healthy diet, physical activity), and emergency response actions. The script and visuals were adapted for cultural relevance by bilingual healthcare professionals, using regionally familiar examples and language.

Recruitment and distribution

Participants were recruited through various social media platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) to ensure broad demographic representation. The survey and accompanying video links were disseminated electronically in both English and Arabic. While the UAE is culturally diverse, this intervention was specifically designed for Arabic-speaking adults residing in the country. The content reflected cultural and linguistic norms common among Arab populations in the UAE. Full access to these materials is provided in Supplementary material 1.

Statistical analysis

All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized categorical data as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables as means and standard deviations (SD). Normality of the distribution for dependent variables (total knowledge scores) was confirmed by assessing skewness and kurtosis, which fell within acceptable ranges (−2 to +2).

Pre- and post-intervention stroke knowledge scores were compared using paired sample t-tests. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate changes in knowledge scores after adjusting for covariates, including age, gender, marital status, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, education level, healthy lifestyle indicators, history of stroke, family stroke history, and existing medical conditions.

Three linear regression models were conducted: (1) predicting baseline knowledge, (2) predicting post-intervention knowledge, and (3) identifying predictors of knowledge score change (changes from pre- to post-intervention). Predictor variables included demographic characteristics and stroke-related risk factors. Statistical significance was established at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results

Participant characteristics and stroke risk profile

The study involved 407 participants, primarily females (53.6%), married individuals (55.8%), and university-educated adults (68.3%), with a majority aged between 25 and 34 years (50.9%). Approximately one-quarter of the respondents were healthcare professionals (25.6%). Key stroke risk factors identified among participants included a previous stroke event in 3.2% and a positive family history of stroke in 31%. Health conditions prevalent in the sample included severe headaches or migraines (22.3%), hypercholesterolemia (17.5%), and hypertension (17.2%). Lifestyle-related risks showed notable proportions of current smokers (25.6%), alcohol consumers (13.0%), and participants predominantly engaging in mild physical activity (52.8%). Dietary patterns indicated that the majority regularly consumed vegetables (79.4%), dairy products (75.2%), and legumes (74.9%). The mean household crowding index was 1.43 ± 0.78, and the average stress score according to the Beirut Distress Scale (17) was 8.91 ± 6.40 (Table 1).

Table 1
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Table 1. Sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and stroke risk factors (N = 407).

Effectiveness of educational intervention on stroke-related knowledge

The educational intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements across nearly all stroke knowledge areas (Table 2). Notably, participants demonstrated marked improvement in recognizing stroke symptoms, identifying key risk factors, and understanding preventive actions. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and health-related variables—including age, gender, marital status, education level, household crowding, lifestyle habits, and medical history—the analysis confirmed a significant increase in overall stroke knowledge, rising from an average pre-intervention score of 20.80 to 23.53 post-intervention (p < 0.001), underscoring the intervention’s effectiveness (Table 3).

Table 2
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Table 2. Variation of the stroke knowledge pre and post education session.

Table 3
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Table 3. Public knowledge of stroke among UAE participants.

Bivariate associations with stroke knowledge scores

Bivariate analysis identified several factors significantly associated with stroke knowledge scores at baseline and post-intervention. Higher pre-intervention scores correlated with being female, aged 45–54, single status, presence of a family history of stroke, non-smoking status, alcohol consumption, and engagement in a healthy lifestyle. Post-intervention analysis similarly highlighted higher knowledge scores among females, individuals with university education, and those with chronic high-risk medical conditions (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) (Table 4).

Table 4
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Table 4. Factors affecting the knowledge score (pre/post-test).

Multivariable predictors of stroke knowledge improvements

Multivariable linear regression analyses explored predictors influencing knowledge scores both pre- and post-intervention, and factors affecting knowledge gains between these time points. Initially, higher baseline stroke knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender, family history of stroke, alcohol consumption, and healthier lifestyle practices (Table 5, Model 1). Post-intervention results reinforced these findings, additionally highlighting the positive influence of having a university education (Table 5, Model 2). Conversely, older age (≥55 years) and alcohol use negatively influenced the magnitude of knowledge gains following the intervention, suggesting targeted educational adjustments might be necessary for these subgroups (Table 5, Model 3). These findings have substantial public health implications, supporting the efficacy of targeted educational interventions to significantly improve community awareness of stroke, particularly in urbanizing and diverse settings.

Table 5
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Table 5. Multivariable analysis.

Discussion

This study assessed the impact of a culturally adapted video-based educational intervention on stroke-related knowledge in the UAE population. The intervention notably improved knowledge regarding stroke risk factors, warning symptoms, and preventive practices. Significantly, this research marks the first nationwide effort within the UAE to utilize audiovisual materials specifically for public stroke education, providing an effective, scalable, and engaging alternative to traditional educational methods such as printed materials and face-to-face sessions (18). Similarly, a culturally adapted stroke prevention program delivered via a mobile app on WeChat in China showed high usability and participant satisfaction, emphasizing the potential of mobile platforms for culturally relevant stroke education (19). These findings are consistent with previous research, underscoring video interventions’ effectiveness in enhancing health literacy and immediate patient outcomes across diverse populations (2022). Similar outcomes were observed in heart failure patients, where a digital education intervention (HF-DEM) significantly improved quality of life, supporting the effectiveness of tailored digital tools across various health conditions (23).

Participants notably improved their ability to distinguish between stroke and heart attack symptoms post-intervention, a critical factor in ensuring prompt and appropriate medical responses, aligning with findings from international studies (2426). Moreover, the study demonstrated a substantial increase in awareness of stroke symptoms, notably the FAST criteria (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services), aligning with global evidence supporting targeted multimedia educational efforts (2729). Additionally, consistent high willingness among participants to seek immediate medical attention for stroke symptoms reflects successful communication of the urgency and severity associated with strokes, corroborating previous research (30, 31). Beyond awareness and prevention, digital tools have also shown promise in stroke rehabilitation, with meta-analytic findings supporting online management systems for improving early physical activity during post-stroke recovery (32). Nevertheless, this study identified gaps in public understanding regarding specific stroke treatments (33), echoing earlier research emphasizing the importance of educating the public about timely intervention strategies (34).

Baseline stroke prevention knowledge among participants was relatively high and further improved following the intervention (3537). The comparatively higher initial knowledge levels observed may reflect the participants’ educational backgrounds and overall health literacy, aligning with other studies highlighting correlations between educational attainment and stroke prevention knowledge (3840).

Consistent with prior research, females demonstrated superior stroke knowledge, likely attributable to heightened health awareness and interest in preventive healthcare topics among women (4143). Although direct evidence linking alcohol consumption to stroke knowledge remains limited, findings suggest regular alcohol consumers may exhibit increased health awareness or heightened risk perception, prompting greater information-seeking behaviors (44). Additionally, participants with family stroke histories displayed greater baseline knowledge, reinforcing findings from Nigeria and Morocco, and highlighting the importance of personal experiences and interpersonal communications in disseminating health information (4547).

Health-conscious behaviors, such as regular physical activity (48) and nutritious diets (49), correlated positively with enhanced stroke knowledge, suggesting health-oriented individuals might proactively seek health information (50). Conversely, older adults (aged ≥55) exhibited modest knowledge improvements post-intervention despite higher stroke risk due to prevalent comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes (51). The weaker improvement among older adults and marginal significance associated with alcohol consumption suggest targeted interventions could further improve awareness and preventive actions within these groups.

Collectively, recent evidence underscores a growing global shift toward digital, scalable, and culturally relevant education tools as viable strategies to reduce stroke burden and health disparities.

Implications for practice

The study outcomes emphasize transitioning to audiovisual health education resources as highly beneficial for public health programs targeting stroke prevention. Comprehensive, multimedia-driven campaigns incorporating local medical expertise and using both traditional and digital platforms could effectively raise awareness, correct misconceptions, and expedite medical responses. Adopting evidence-based multimedia interventions may significantly enhance stroke outcomes by ensuring timely recognition and management. Moreover, incorporating brief, evidence-based audiovisual interventions into national stroke education campaigns may help overcome traditional literacy, accessibility, and resource barriers, particularly in underserved or multiethnic populations. These tools can also serve as valuable components in national stroke registries and prevention frameworks to track awareness trends and tailor interventions accordingly.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. First, the online survey design may have introduced selection bias, favoring younger, digitally literate individuals—many with healthcare backgrounds—which limits generalizability to the broader UAE population, particularly older adults or those with limited access to technology. Second, the absence of a control group limits causative conclusions about knowledge improvements exclusively attributable to the video intervention. Additionally, using closed-ended questions might have amplified perceived knowledge levels. Moreover, the cross-sectional design precluded assessing long-term retention and behavioral changes, necessitating future longitudinal research. Finally, multiple statistical comparisons were performed in this analysis, increasing the risk of Type I error; future studies should consider adjusting for this or limiting subgroup analyses to predefined hypotheses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings highlight the effectiveness of audiovisual interventions in improving public stroke literacy, representing a feasible, cost-efficient, and engaging approach for diverse populations. Future public health strategies should broadly implement multimedia educational initiatives to facilitate meaningful community engagement, enhance preventive behaviors, and ultimately reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics statement

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at Abu Dhabi University (approval code CoHS–22-05-00018, dated May 16, 2022). All study procedures complied with the ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants provided informed consent electronically by confirming their understanding of the study objectives and voluntarily agreeing to participate. They were informed of their right to withdraw at any point without any repercussions and were not offered financial incentives.

Author contributions

MC: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JS: Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. CH: Formal analysis, Writing – original draft. HS: Investigation, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. PS: Conceptualization, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing. RE: Data curation, Writing – original draft. TA: Data curation, Writing – original draft. MA: Data curation, Writing – original draft. LA: Data curation, Writing – original draft. HH: Investigation, Resources, Writing – original draft. FS: Investigation, Resources, Writing – original draft. KI: Conceptualization, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. The research work received funds from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), under Grant number 19300634, for the project titled “Enhancing the Public Knowledge About Stroke to Think Fast, Act Fast, and Save a Life.”

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The authors declare that no Gen AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1608381/full#supplementary-material

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Keywords: stroke-related knowledge, audiovisual intervention, health literacy, public health education, United Arab Emirates

Citation: Cherfane M, Safwan J, Haddad C, Sacre H, Salameh P, Elkerenawy R, Abou El Kheir T, Al Nuaimi M, Abou Mattar L, Hosseini H, Sakr F and Iskandar K (2025) Improving stroke awareness through a culturally adapted audiovisual intervention in the United Arab Emirates. Front. Neurol. 16:1608381. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1608381

Received: 08 April 2025; Accepted: 04 July 2025;
Published: 23 July 2025.

Edited by:

Andreas R. Luft, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Reviewed by:

Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar, Colombian Clinical Research Group in Neurocritical Care, Colombia
Sandeep Poddar, Lincoln University College, Malaysia

Copyright © 2025 Cherfane, Safwan, Haddad, Sacre, Salameh, Elkerenawy, Abou El Kheir, Al Nuaimi, Abou Mattar, Hosseini, Sakr and Iskandar. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Jihan Safwan, amloYW5zYWZ3YW5AZ21haWwuY29t

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