Public stroke awareness and intent to call 112 in Sweden

Recognition of stroke symptoms and activation of emergency services are essential in minimizing delay for acute stroke treatments. In this study, we assessed public stroke awareness in Sweden.

One thousand and five hundred residents aged 18-79 years participated in a telephone survey. Open-ended questions were used to assess knowledge of stroke symptoms, risk factors, and action if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke.

Seventy-two percentage could report at least one stroke symptom and 86% at least one risk factor. Only 13% could report three or more stroke symptoms. Female sex (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.30-2.45) and high education (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38-3.80) were associated with knowledge of stroke symptoms. Sixty-five percentage indicated they would call the emergency number 112 if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke. Female sex (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.85) and high education (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.01-1.93) were positively associated, while increasing age (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) was negatively associated with intent to call 112.

We confirm a rather low public awareness of stroke in Sweden, poorer among males and those with low education. With increasing age, a lower proportion indicated intent to call 112 for stroke symptoms.