Singaporeans have poor knowledge and awareness of stroke, according to a recent study on stroke literacy, which found that less than 50 percent of Singaporeans could correctly identify one stroke symptom.
This is significant as certain treatments, such as thrombolysis, have to be carried out within a few hours of the onset of symptoms, and patients who seek treatment at the hospital at a later stage may not be able to receive the best rescue therapy treatments and prevent complications.
Unlike heart attack patients who seek help immediately, stroke patients might try to sleep it off or go to a polyclinic to seek help, said Associate Professor Lim Wei-Yen, who co-authored the study with colleagues from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) at the Singapore General Hospital. Data from the study was taken from a Community Health Project conducted by a group of fourth-year medical undergraduates at the National University of Singapore last year.
The study also uncovered several misconceptions people have about stroke. Around 20 percent of the respondents identified heart problems as being the cause of stroke and some respondents mistook chest pains and breathlessness as symptoms of stroke.
Media Coverage:
- My Paper, 24 October 2014, Friday
- The Straits Times, 24 October 2014, Friday
- Lianhe Zaobao, 24 October 2014, Friday
- Tamil Murasu, 24 October 2014, Friday