Knowledge of stroke in rehabilitation and community samples

This study examined the stroke knowledge of 60 stroke rehabilitation patients, 46 spouses, 25 family members, and 103 people in the general community. Changes in stroke knowledge with time, and determinants of stroke knowledge, were also examined. Clinical participants were assessed on acute admission, admission to and discharge from rehabilitation, and 6 and 12 months after discharge. Community participants were assessed once. Instruments used were the Stroke Care Information Test, Australian ADL Index, Frenchay Activities Index, Illness Behaviour Questionnaire and Zung Self-rating Depression Scale. The stroke knowledge of all participants, particularly patients, was poor, but improved with time. Better-informed patients were younger, had milder strokes, were less depressed, were less likely to develop abnormal illness behaviour, and made a better functional recovery than patients with poorer knowledge. Structured information programmes are needed for stroke patients and their families. Improved community awareness of stroke may help the prospects for recovery and quality of life for people who have strokes.