Factors Predicting Stroke Prevention Behaviors in Patients at Risk in Primary Care Units

Abstract

          The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to identify factors predicting stroke preventive behaviors in patients at risk. The subjects of the study was a convenience sample of 88 patients at risk with stroke who received services at chronic disease clinics in three health-promoting hospitals of Sung Noen district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Data were collected using, a demographic data questionnaire, an awareness about stroke questionnaire, a perceived support from health care providers, and a stroke preventive behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.

          The results showed that the majority of the sample were aged 61 years and up (= 65.6 years). The overall mean score of stroke preventive behaviors was at high level (= 3.09, SD = .25) and also in dimension of drug adherence, smoking/drinking alcohol, and exercise behaviors. The mean scores of stress management and eating behavior were found in moderate level. Multiple regression showed that the combination of age variable, awareness about stroke, and health care provider support accounted for 26% of variance in stroke preventive behaviors (R². = .259, F = 9.78, p-value <.001). Age and awareness about stroke were powerful predictors of stroke preventive behaviors (β = -.209, p <.05 and β = .393, p < .001).

          These findings suggest that health care providers should encourage the risk group, especially in the older age to recognize the importance of cerebrovascular disease. There should be a screening and risk assessment of patients who are at risk stroke. Those at risk group should be suggested to do self-observation using (FAST) method for the awareness of risk and for immediate stroke prevention and treatment based on the Stroke fast trace protocol.