A Comparative Study on Knowledge of Cerebrovascular Diseases after Educating Campaign in Rural Area of Thailand
Pattra Wattanapan MD1,8, Karnchanasri Singhpoo MD2,8, Lertchai Charerntanyarak PhD3,8, Nomjit Nualnetr PhD4,8, Jiumjit Sangsuwan PhD3,8, Ratchada Ngamroop RN5, Suporn Wongpratoom RN6,8, Kannikar Kongbunkiat MD7,8, Somsak Tiamkao MD7,8,
Affiliation : 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Community Medicine Service Section, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 4 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 5 Amphur Onkharuk Public Health Office, Khon Kaen, Thailand 6 Nursing division, Srinagarind hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 7 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 8 North-Eastern Stroke Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Cerebrovascular diseases are the cause of disability and loss of ability to conduct normal daily life. Educating
people about strokes should be a good way to prevent or decrease the incidence of the diseases, or, if the diseases occur, it
should assist in lessening both economic and social impact. The present study aimed to study the effect of educating
campaign on the knowledge of cerebrovascular diseases to people in rural areas.
Materials and Methods : The study was conducted in people who lived in Na-ngew Sub-district, Khao Suan Kwang District,
Khon Kaen Province during November to December 2010. The participants were assessed in their knowledge of stroke using
questionnaire twice, before and after the training. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the personal data and the
knowledge assessment part. The latter was composed of 38 questions on the knowledge and practices of stroke. 19 questions
out of these were related to risk factors, 11 were related to the symptoms and warning signs, and 8 were related to knowledge
on transient ischemic attack [TIA] and practices.
Results : Of the 579 participants, 79 percent were females. The average age was 49+16 years, and 92 percent had not had
previous stroke. Participants’ knowledge related to stroke increased significantly after the training at the p<0.001 level, on
risk factors, symptoms and warning signs, transient ischemic attack [TIA] and practices. Although the scores increased;
when considering each question item, it was found that the knowledge for risk factors in sex, life style, and dyslipidemia were
still low, i.e., 13.8, 31.8, and 51.3 percent respectively and 90 percent understood that chest pain is a symptom of stroke.
Only 30.4% called the emergency number 1669 in case of a stroke patient showing symptoms.
Conclusion : Research participants were better informed of stroke in terms of risk factors, symptoms and warning signs,
transient ischemic attack [TIA], and practices when seeing someone showing the stroke symptom after the training.
Keywords : Cerebrovascular disease, Rural, Educating campaign
