Associations between knowledge and belief of stroke and pathways to healthcare adopted by Nigerian stroke survivors

Headnote

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate associations between knowledge and belief stroke and pathways to healthcare adopted by Nigerian stroke survivors.

Method: This study involved 150 stroke survivors receiving care in secondary and tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. All patients consented and their information was captured using validated key informal interview guide. The information was analyzed qualitatively. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and analysed using Chi-square (p<0.05).

Results: Of the 150 patients interviewed, 143 (95.33%) responses were valid for analysis. Sixty-four (44.8%) said the symptoms of stroke is weakness or paralysis, 1and 7 said chest pain, dizziness/slurred speech respectively while 38 had no knowledge. Thirty-nine (27.3%) said stroke is caused by high blood pressure while 20, 22, 5 and 5 said excessive thinking, stress, hereditary and spiritual attack respectively while 32 had no clue. At stroke onset, 5(3.5%) went to patent medicine stores for treatment while 27 and 111 went to traditional/religious healers and orthodox hospitals respectively. There was significant association between their knowledge and belief and choice of healthcare. There was significant association between religion belief, cultural belief, education and income and choice of healthcare.

Conclusion: Nigeria stroke survivors had poor knowledge of stroke; some believed stroke is a spiritual attack and went to alternative healthcare for treatment. Private hospitals are mostly patronized for stroke treatment among Nigerian. There is significant association between knowledge and belief and choice of healthcare among Nigeria stroke survivors. There is significant association between religion and culture beliefs, education and income and choice of healthcare among them.

Key words: Stroke survivors, knowledge, belief, healthcare, pathways, services

INTRODUCTION

A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications and death1. It is the leading cause of adult disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death in the western world1,2. Geographical disparities in stroke incidence have been observed. The actual incidence or prevalence of stroke has not been established in Nigeria because most of the available reports are hospital based3,4,5,6. Seventy-five percent of stroke survivors end up with mild to moderate disability resulting in decreased employability and quality of life7. Dysfunctions correspond to areas in the brain that have been damaged. Stroke also leads to emotional problems either directly or indirectly, all stroke survivors suffer...