Knowledge of transient ischemic attack among the Japanese

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) often precedes stroke, necessitating prompt recognition and action.
• Public awareness and knowledge of TIA are crucial for timely medical intervention and stroke prevention.
• Understanding the current knowledge gaps among the general population is essential for developing effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the extent of TIA knowledge dissemination among the Japanese citizenry.
• To identify factors influencing public response to TIA symptoms.
• To inform the development of targeted TIA awareness and education programs.

Main Methods:

• An internet-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 30,000 Japanese citizens aged 20 years and older.
• Valid responses from 11,121 participants were analyzed for awareness and knowledge of stroke and TIA.
• Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, was used to identify factors associated with appropriate TIA response.

Main Results:

• The majority of respondents (41.8%) indicated visiting a family doctor as the initial action for TIA, while only 22.4% would immediately call an ambulance.
• Confidence in recognizing stroke symptoms and knowledge of the 3-hour treatment window significantly increased ambulance request rates (P < .009).
• Television was the primary information source for stroke, with older individuals relying more on newspapers.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of the Japanese population may not call an ambulance for TIA, relying instead on primary care physicians for triage.
• Public education initiatives for TIA awareness should be tailored to address age-specific and regional variations in knowledge and behavior.
• Effective TIA education is vital for improving public response and potentially reducing stroke incidence.