Stroke literacy, behavior, and proficiency in a South Florida population

Our goal was to assess stroke literacy, behavior, and proficiency in our South Florida service population.

Data were obtained from the 2006 to 2010 Cleveland Clinic Florida annual "stroke prevention screening" questionnaires. "Stroke risk factor awareness" was attributed to participants correctly identifying at least 5 out of the 7 stroke risk factors presented. "Stroke symptom awareness" was assigned if one correctly selected all 5 listed stroke symptoms and not any of the 3 inappropriate responses. Participants had "stroke literacy" if they: (1) demonstrated stroke risk factor awareness; (2) demonstrated stroke symptom awareness; and (3) they correctly identified the brain as where a stroke occurs. To assess appropriate "stroke behavior," respondents had to choose "call 911 immediately" if one were to experience stroke symptoms. "Stroke proficiency" was attributed to individuals showing both stroke literacy and appropriate stroke behavior.

There were a total of 298 participants. Sixty-seven percent of participants correctly identified the brain as the organ where stroke occurs. Almost three-fourths (74.2%) demonstrated stroke risk factor awareness, 28.2% had stroke symptom awareness, 17.8% had stroke literacy, 87.9% declared appropriate stroke behavior, and 16.1% had stroke proficiency.

Stroke behavior and stroke proficiency are useful novel concepts in stroke epidemiology. Although our South Florida community is relatively well-educated and affluent, there are tangible gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior as it pertains to stroke, similar to that seen in less advantaged populations. We recommend intensified usage of the media with information provided by qualified health professionals in a variety of formats and languages appropriate to the ethnic and cultural diversities that define this population.