Family Physicians' Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Stroke Risk Factors and Transient Ischemic Attack

Abstract

Objective: Family physicians should know the risk factors of stroke, screen and raise awareness of patients. In this context, it is necessary to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of family physicians and family medicine assistants. Methods: A survey including questions about demographic characteristics of the participants, non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) was prepared using the online Google survey method. The knowledge levels of the participants were investigated and statistically compared according to demographic characteristics. Results: The mean survey score of the participants was 25.55 ± 4.34 out of 32 points. Among the questionnaire questions, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, previous history of stroke, smoking and hypercoagulability were correctly recognized as stroke risk factors by all participants (%100). The least known risk factors were glaucoma (19.4%), hyperthyroidism (25.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (41.9%). The majority of the participants also had a high level of knowledge about TIA. For most participants, the difference in knowledge levels did not differ by demographics regarding stroke risk factors and TIA (p>0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge levels of family physicians about stroke risk factors and TIA were found to be satisfactory. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and screening of patients should be among the important duties of family physicians as a preventive medicine practice. Keywords: Family physician, primary prevention, risk factors, stroke, transient ischemic attack

Keywords

• Stroke
• risk factors
• family physicians
• transient ischemic attack
• primary prevention

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