Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/19244
Title: Improving stroke knowledge through a 'volunteer-led' community education program in Australia.
Austin Authors: Kilkenny, Monique F;Purvis, Tara;Werner, Megan;Reyneke, Megan;Czerenkowski, Jude;Cadilhac, Dominique A
Affiliation: National Stroke Foundation, Melbourne, VIC Australia
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Stroke & Ageing Research, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
Issue Date: May-2016
Date: 2016-01-26
Publication information: Preventive medicine 2016; 86: 1-5
Abstract: Public awareness of stroke risks and warning signs remains poor. The National Stroke Foundation (NSF) in Australia has been undertaking a StrokeSafe Ambassador Education program to raise awareness of stroke. The format includes presentations by volunteers trained to be 'ambassadors' to spread standard information about stroke to the public. Our aim was to determine the change in knowledge of participants who attended presentations. Participants completed questionnaires before immediately after presentations, and at 3months following the presentation. Information was collected on knowledge of risk factors and signs of stroke. McNemar's test was used to compare paired-responses over time. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Between March and April 2014, 591 participants attended 185 presentations and 591 (100%) completed them before and immediately after presentation questionnaires: 68% were female and 75% were aged 65years or more. 258 consented for further follow-up with 192 completing follow-up. Comparing immediately after with before presentation showed significantly improved knowledge for all 10 stroke risk factors and all signs of stroke. Significantly improved knowledge for 7/10 risk factors and 1/3 signs of stroke was found when comparing follow-up and immediately after presentation results. Knowledge of 5/10 risk factors and 2/3 signs of stroke improved when comparing follow-up and before presentation. This study describes a novel approach to support the use of trained volunteers to provide a community-based, standardised education program for stroke. This program shows that community presentations can improve immediate and short-term knowledge of signs and risk factors for stroke.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/19244
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.01.015
ORCID: 0000-0001-8162-682X
0000-0002-3375-287X
Journal: Preventive medicine
PubMed URL: 26820114
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Australia
Community
Education
Prevention
Risk Factors
Stroke
Stroke signs
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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