Kiến thức và thái độ trong dự phòng đột quỵ ở người cao tuổi có tăng huyết áp

Stroke remains a devastating global health challenge, ranking as a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability, with its burden particularly significant in Vietnam. Hypertension is unequivocally identified as a primary risk factor, elevating the vulnerability of the elderly population to this condition. Despite the critical need for early intervention, public awareness regarding the signs and prevention of stroke often remains limited, leading to delayed medical attention and poorer outcomes. Therefore, understanding and enhancing stroke prevention efforts among high-risk groups, specifically elderly patients with hypertension, is paramount. This study aims to assess the current knowledge and attitudes towards stroke prevention among this demographic and identify factors influencing positive attitudes, providing crucial insights for targeted public health interventions.

Healthcare professionals, public health researchers, policymakers in geriatric care and stroke prevention, and caregivers of elderly patients with hypertension.

This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge and attitudes toward stroke prevention among 353 elderly patients with hypertension residing in Phu Tho province, Vietnam. Employing an adapted Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) questionnaire, the research utilized SPSS 26.0 for statistical analysis to identify associated factors. The findings revealed a notable disparity: while a significant majority (87.8%) exhibited positive attitudes towards stroke prevention, only 34.3% demonstrated good knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression identified several independent predictors for positive attitudes, including living with family (OR=18.5), possessing good knowledge (OR=7.8), previous exposure to stroke prevention media (OR=6.49), and a higher educational level (OR=0.078, indicating lower education correlated with less positive attitudes). These results underscore that despite generally positive attitudes, there is a substantial deficit in specific stroke prevention knowledge among this high-risk group. The study concludes that educational level, family support, access to stroke-related information, and general knowledge are critical determinants of positive attitudes. Consequently, strengthening family-based education and public communication channels are essential strategies to enhance effective stroke prevention awareness and practices within the elderly hypertensive population, aiming to mitigate the impact of this severe neurological event.