AUTHOR=Eltayib Eyman M. , Jirjees Feras , Suliman Duaa , AlObaidi Hala , Ahmed Munazza , Kharaba Zelal J. , Alfoteih Yassen , Barakat Muna , Khidhair Zainab , ALSalamat Husam , Mustafa Nazik , Cherri Sarah , El Khatib Sami , Hallit Souheil , Malaeb Diana , Hosseini Hassan 

TITLE=Stroke awareness and knowledge in Sudan: a cross-sectional analysis of public perceptions and understanding

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362979

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362979

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Introduction: Stroke, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, demands heightened awareness and knowledge for effective preventive strategies on and tailored response. Sudan is classified as a low income country with a low rate of literacy, where there is lack of knowledge, and awareness about diseases. Thus, this study aimed to assess stroke awareness and knowledge among Sudanese population, and identifying the associated factors influencing awareness.A cross-sectional study conducted between October and November 2022 through employed a self-administered online survey administered through face-to-face interviews, online platforms, or combination of both distributed via various social media platforms. The study involved adults aged 18 years and above through snow-ball sampling technique. The survey covered general awareness and knowledge concerning stroke risk factors, consequences, and the appropriate responses taken duringo acute stroke attacks.Results: A total of 410 Sudanese participants were enrolled in the study, majority (93.4%) mostly were from urban area and had (93.4%) with the majority holding university degrees (92.4%)..Furthermore, 92.2% were aware about of stroke and, 74.9% were able to recognize the symptoms of stroke . While Only 40.2% identified all correct answers, 96.3%, 92.3%, and 95.1% recognized at least one risk factor, early symptom, and consequences, respectively. Significantly, fFemales were significantly more than males able to demonstrating higher proficiency in identifying at least one risk factor. Social media (79.3%) emerged as the primary information source. Almost all Pparticipants (99.5%) perceived stroke as a serious disease ly (99.5%). , but opinions varied on its impact on patients' happiness (34.4%). Notably, 86.3% would promptly transport a suspected stroke patient to the hospital. The multivariable analysis showed that females versus compared to males and patients with depression versus without depression no depression had significantly higher odds to identify at least one risk factor (OR of 14.716 [95% CI 1.901;113.908] and 0.241 [95% CI 0.059;0.984], respectively).The study concluded that stroke knowledge and awareness among Sudanese population is suboptimal. Furthermore, early stroke recognition and intake of the appropriate action regarding management strategies isare lacking which highlights the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns.