송희영, 허혜경, 박소미

연세대학교 원주의과대학 간호학과

Background: Modifying risk factors and improving stroke awareness in the general community have been emphasized
for preventing stroke. This study aimed to explore modifiable lifestyle risk factors and the awareness
of stroke and to compare scores for stroke knowledge according to lifestyle risk factors and recognition of important
indicators among adults in urban areas.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 196 participants aged 40 to 65 selected by a
convenient sampling of community cultural centers, churches, and recreational groups. Participants completed
a structured questionnaire including general characteristics, risk factors of stroke, and awareness of stroke including
general knowledge, risk factors, reactions to warning symptoms, and knowledge on personal risk factors
of stroke such as body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level.
Results: Less than 30% of the participants engaged in regular physical activity and low fat diet and 33% of the
participants were classified as having 'higher' level of knowledge on stroke. Knowledge on their personal risk
factors of stroke were generally poor. Scores for knowledge on stroke were not different for lifestyle risk factors
and knowing whether their body weight and blood pressure level were within normal limits. Meanwhile, scores
for knowledge on stroke were significantly higher among those knowing whether their blood sugar and cholesterol
level were within normal limits.
Conclusions: There is a need to improve stroke awareness among community adults by providing more targeted
information on warning symptoms, risk factors of stroke, and important indicators of major conditions related
to stroke and their contribution to stroke prevention.

Korean J Health Promot 2012;12(1):47-57
Keywords: Stroke, Lifestyle, Risk factors, Awareness, Primary prevention