Evaluation of Stroke Knowledge Among High School Students: A Large Sample Cross-Sectional Study From Kezhou, China

To evaluate stroke awareness among high school students in Kezhou-a multiethnic region with limited healthcare resources-and to provide evidence for targeted stroke prevention and treatment education.

This cross-sectional study utilized a self-designed questionnaire to assess stroke-related knowledge among high school students. Differences in stroke knowledge across demographic subgroups were analyzed, with a statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

A total of 2525 questionnaires were collected. Full awareness rates for stroke emergency maps, the "stroke 1-2-0" rapid identification method, stroke classification, and intravenous thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke were 1.90%, 9.98%, 16.79%, and 20.00%, respectively. The lowest awareness rates for stroke risk factors were smoking (10.65%), unhealthy diet (12.75%), and obesity (22.34%), whereas the least recognized warning symptoms included personality changes (11.92%), dizziness/gait instability (17.23%), and blurred/double vision (22.30%). Correct response rates for stroke visit time, thrombolysis time window, and emergency management were 72.95%, 41.11%, and 21.50%, respectively. Students with stroke-affected relatives, urban residents, and those exposed to stroke education demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Kirgiz students showed poorer emergency response knowledge compared with other ethnic groups (p < 0.05). Preferred educational channels included social media (66.61%), bulletin boards (57.50%), and medical professionals' lectures (54.77%).

Kezhou high school students exhibited low stroke awareness, particularly regarding risk factors, the "stroke 1-2-0" identification method, emergency maps, and crisis management. It is recommended that stroke education be integrated into ethnic cultural activities, and that social media and posters on campuses and lectures by medical personnel be used to disseminate the "stroke 1-2-0" recognition method and improve regional stroke prevention and treatment capabilities.