[Knowledge of cerebrovascular disease in the population of Zaragoza]

Acute cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of disability and mortality, with important socio-economic and health impacts. Early stroke care can reduce mortality and improve prognosis. Right now, we can apply treatments in the acute phase, with capacity to reverse the symptoms, but few patients who benefit not reach the hospital soon. One reason for this delay is the lack of recognition of symptoms and poor perception of gravity.

To find out the knowledge of the public about the stroke.

The sample analyzed was the population of Sector III of Zaragoza, with random selection. The tool used was a telephone survey structured. We analyzed 583 surveys.

63.5% of respondents did not know any symptoms of stroke. 48% do not know any vascular risk factor. Only 9% recognized at least two symptoms and two risk factors. Regarding the attitude, 56% act properly against 44% who do not. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors more related to knowledge are the cultural level and young age. Living in town, and female, they are associated with the best attitude.

Knowledge about stroke is poor, with a low sense of urgency. The factors most associated with the best knowledge are young age and cultural level.