Objective:

To establish factors associated with the knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding emergency care for acute stroke among patients with known risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Background:

Health literacy in stroke, defined as the ability of non-medical individuals to understand and use health information to recognize stroke symptoms and make timely decisions, is a key factor influencing outcomes in patients with this condition. However, no previous studies have evaluated the knowledge and perceptions of the general population about stroke in Bogotá.

Design/Methods:

A community-based survey was conducted among patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Bogotá, Colombia, between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey collected sociodemographic data and information on knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to acute stroke care using a validated questionnaire. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS v25.

Results:

A total of 5,402 surveyed individuals were analyzed. Limited knowledge about stroke symptoms was associated with male sex (OR=1.26, 95%CI:[1.12-1.42], p<0.001), low socio-economic status (OR=2.20, 95%CI:[1.85, 2.60], p<0.001), and lower educational level (OR=1.59, 95%CI[1.38-1.82]; p<0.001). A low educational level was associated with a higher risk of choosing inadequate practices during acute stroke, such as using home remedies (OR=1.52, 95%CI[1.30-1.79], p<0.001) or going to the pharmacy (OR=1.66, 95%CI[1.36-1.93]; p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Factors such as poor recognition of stroke symptoms, failure to identify it as an emergency, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to delays in seeking timely treatment. Addressing knowledge gaps and socioeconomic disparities is crucial for improving outcomes in stroke patients.