KNOWLEDGE, PREVENTION PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS TOWARDS STROKE AMONG ADULT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2021

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stroke is a global health problem causing significant morbidity, and mortality in both developing and developed countries. Worldwide, hypertension is a common modifiable risk factor for stroke. Approximately 80% of strokes could be prevented with necessary precautions and actions are taken. Knowledge about stroke and preventive measures of risks are important in preventing it. In Ethiopia there is limited evidence regarding hypertensive knowledge about stroke, where as their prevention practice is not known at all. Objective: The aim of the study was to know knowledge, prevention practices and associated factors towards stroke among hypertensive patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021 Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on 424 participants using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Data has been coded and then entered to epi data version 4.6.0.4 and exported and analysed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Out of total 424 participants approached, 393 have responded completely making the response rate of 92.3%. Only 27.2% (95% CI: 22.9, 31.8) of respondents have good knowledge about stroke. Having formal education and knowing someone with stroke were predictors of good knowledge about stroke (AOR=7.87, 95% CI =4.07-15.20, p =0.00), and (AOR=7.898, 95% CI =4.38-14.24, p=0.00), respectively. Other predictors of good knowledge are income ?5000 birr and being physically active. Percentage of participants with good stroke prevention practice is 53.7 %( CI: 49.4, 58.3). Factors significantly associated with having good practice are having formal education (AOR 4.39, CI: 2.78-6.93), age?50 (AOR 2.51, CI: 1.42-4.44), knowing someone with stroke (AOR 2.75, CI: 1.68-4.48), and having monthly family income ?5000 birr. Conclusion: Just beyond one fourth and half of participant have adequate knowledge and practice respectively. Keywords: hypertension, stroke, knowledge, prevention practice