ISSN : 2663-2187

STUDENT STROKE CHAMPIONS: A STROKE LITERACY PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN IN URBAN BANGALORE

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Dr. Aruna C Ramesh, Dr. Hariprasad K Veerendranath, Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Keshava Murthy MR, Dr. Marcia Edison
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.9.2024.4562-4571

Abstract

Early Recognition and access to care of stroke in the community is a global challenge. Multiple studies have demonstrated considerable delay in stroke recognition which in turn pose a barrier to acute stroke treatment. [1] We have developed a simple yet comprehensive stroke education program for high school children to learn stroke recognition and bystander response and educate the parents and family regarding the same. METHODS— A standard training module of 1 hour based on the “FAST” mnemonic was developed and implemented in 338 high school students of ten schools in urban Bangalore. Both public and private schools we included in the study. In addition to a pre and post-test before and after our training, an evaluation form was given to the students after 3 months. An Assignment given to children to encourage parental interaction and consequent spread of stroke awareness. RESULTS— The four questions in the pre and post-test dealt with knowledge aspects of stroke, its recognition and bystander response. We found a statistically significant improvement in the correct answers by the students in the posttest after our training (p< 0.001) and significant Z values on the Wilcoxon Sign-Rank Test. Data from the evaluation forms 3 months post-training after the training. 42.43 % of the students were able to name atleast two risk factors. Upon asking to name components of “FAST” we found that 37 % of the students were able to name three and 34 % all four components. CONCLUSIONS— High school children can be educated about stroke risk factors and its recognition using a simple measurable training model and can potentially spread awareness in their own family.

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