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The stroke 'Act FAST' campaign: remembered but not understood?
Stephan U Dombrowski1, Martin White, Joan E Mackintosh
1Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
Summary
The Act FAST leaflet improved recall of stroke recognition cues but did not enhance actual stroke recognition or response. Public health campaigns need to ensure message recall translates to behavioral outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neurology
- Health Communication
Background:
- The 'Act FAST' campaign aims to improve stroke recognition and response.
- Its impact on public awareness and behavior remains uncertain despite multiple rollouts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if knowledge of the FAST acronym via a leaflet improves stroke recognition and response.
- Assessing the effectiveness of standard campaign materials in a real-world setting.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional survey in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Randomized allocation of adults to receive an Act FAST leaflet with a questionnaire or a questionnaire only.
- Assessment of campaign recall, stroke recognition, and response using scenario-based vignettes.
Main Results:
- Participants receiving the leaflet demonstrated significantly better recall of the Act FAST campaign message and its elements.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in stroke recognition or response between the leaflet and no-leaflet groups.
- Demographics and survey return rates were similar across both study groups.
Conclusions:
- While the Act FAST leaflet enhances recall of campaign elements, it does not improve stroke recognition or response.
- Further research is needed to understand how to translate message recall into effective public action for stroke.
- Public health messaging may require strategies beyond simple information dissemination to improve stroke outcomes.
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