Public stroke awareness and intent to call 112 in Sweden

Background and aims: Recognition of stroke symptoms and activation of emergency services are essential in minimizing delay for acute stroke treatments. In this study, we assessed public stroke awareness in Sweden.

Methods: One thousand and five hundred residents aged 18-79 years participated in a telephone survey. Open-ended questions were used to assess knowledge of stroke symptoms, risk factors, and action if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke.

Results: Seventy-two percentage could report at least one stroke symptom and 86% at least one risk factor. Only 13% could report three or more stroke symptoms. Female sex (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.30-2.45) and high education (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38-3.80) were associated with knowledge of stroke symptoms. Sixty-five percentage indicated they would call the emergency number 112 if witnessing or experiencing a potential stroke. Female sex (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.85) and high education (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.01-1.93) were positively associated, while increasing age (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) was negatively associated with intent to call 112.

Conclusion: We confirm a rather low public awareness of stroke in Sweden, poorer among males and those with low education. With increasing age, a lower proportion indicated intent to call 112 for stroke symptoms.