Risk factor awareness: a randomized telephone survey of public knowledge

Health educators are often faced with the dilemma of developing materials or programs that begin at a level appropriate to the needs of individuals or the population as a whole. In 1992, a randomized telephone survey of the public's knowledge of risk factors relating to stroke was conducted in Saskatoon. The risk factors most frequently identified were poor diet (40%), hypertension (36%) and stress (36%). Respondents with a family history of stroke were significantly more likely to identify hypertension as a risk factor than those without such a history and significantly less likely to identify stress as a risk factor. In all, 24% reported a family history of acute myocardial infarction, and 28% reported a family history of stroke. Eighty percent were willing to learn more about the risk factors, and 88% were willing to make the appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of an event. Assessment of public knowledge can help in planning initiatives directed at prevention, early identification and appropriate referral.