Care seeking after stroke symptoms

摘要: Stroke is a preventable and treatable disease, in the ideal world, as stated 1998 editorial, “every patient with acute ischemic stroke should present to hospital center immediately after onset of symptoms.” 1 Unfortunately, many people do not seek medical attention for symptoms, or if they do, it timely manner. In 1999 survey 10,112 US residents, 231 reported diagnosis transient attack (TIA), only 147 (64%) saw physician within 24 hours diagnosis. An additional 323 (3.2%) respondents indicated had sought TIA symptoms.2 The reasons lack seeking symptoms are well understood, characteristics those who fail care remain poorly described. Evidence suggests that partially attributed low level knowledge stroke.3–6 It likely, however, there other barriers affect person’s response. Participants Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study received education on were urged report nurse coordinator. Furthermore, these individuals participating clinical trial an assigned study likely provided cohort “engaged” their health status. Despite this, about 40% participants 3 days onset, less than 25% hours.7 A description subpopulations could provide opportunity target educational programs making groups more aware importance urgent attention. This information also design interventions address some at greatest risk. Data collected REasons Geographic And Racial Differences (REGARDS) national describe symptoms. We hypothesized risk factors, including previous TIA, would be related access care, lower socioeconomic status, residents southeastern belt, blacks