Effect of Stroke Health Education on Knowledge of Stroke for Rural Elders

일 지역 농촌 노인의 뇌졸중 교육이 뇌졸중 지식정도에 미치는 효과

Purpose: This study was conducted to test the effect of a 5 weeks health education program on stroke for rural elderly people. Methods: A total of 55 rural elders in Kok Sung County were participated in the health education on stroke program. Descriptive statistics, and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis with SPSS 12.0. Results: The results are summarized as follows : Mean age was 67.3 years and 88.2% of participants were female. The mean pre-test scores for knowledge of stroke were 0.35 and post-test, 0.85 (p< .001). Percentage of accurate response rates of warning signs of stroke were sudden dizziness pre-test 45.5% post-test 80.0%, sudden trouble speaking or understanding, pre-test 27.3% post-test 41.8%, sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, pre-test 32.7% post-test 70.9%, sudden numbness or weakness of the arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, pre-test 47.3% post-test 72.7%, sudden confusion, pre-test 27.3% post-test 81.8%, sudden numbness or weakness of the face especially on one side of the body, pre-test 40.0% post-test 76.4%, sudden severe headache with no known cause, pre-test 40.0% post-test 70.9%, Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, pre-test 38.1% post-test 66.0%, nausea or vomiting pre-test 16.4% post-test 43.6%. The increases after the health education on stroke were statistically significant. Conclusions: Health education on stroke for rural elderly people are needed and should focus on community health care programs, especially for those who are older, had a low level of education, and low socio-economical status.