Awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs in southern Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge about stroke in Caxias do Sul.

Method: A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about stroke among residents of Caxias do Sul. In order to verify variables associated to lack of knowledge we defined three main end points: (1) the inability to recognize that stroke is a disease that affects the brain; (2) insufficient knowledge of risk factors; (3) insufficient knowledge of signs and symptoms of acute stroke.

Results: A total of 952 subjects answered the questionnaire. Lower income and lower educational level were independent factors associated to inability to recognize that stroke affects the brain. Lower income and being under 50 years old were independent risk factors to lack of knowledge concerning stroke risk factors. Lower educational level was the unique risk factor for insufficient knowledge about stroke warning signs.

Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge about stroke in Caxias do Sul. People with lower socioeconomic status and lower education level should be the targets of educational campaigns.