Factors influencing treatment compliance among Turkish people at risk for stroke

Successful management of stroke risk factors depends on adequate knowledge and self-care. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting treatment compliance among people with modifiable stroke risks. We evaluated modifiable risk factors of stroke, recognition of these factors by patients, and patients' compliance with treatment in a teaching hospital. Semi-structured questionnaires were completed using face-to-face interview techniques. A majority (58.3%) of patients were aware of their risk factors for stroke. Awareness of risk factors was statistically significant for the participants carrying risk factors such as heart disease and hyperlipidemia. Compliance of the participants with treatment was mainly affected by the recognition that their disease could be a risk factor for stroke. Awareness of the presence of multiple risk factors and nonsmoker status were positively associated with treatment compliance. Editors' Strategic Implications: The authors provide evidence that the recognition of risk factors and informative healthcare education may decrease the likelihood of and the recurrence of stroke. Future research should document efforts to inform high risk patients and measure their compliance with recommendations.