Awareness of stroke and health-seeking behaviours among caregivers of patients: a cross-sectional study at Ibrahim Malik and Soba Teaching Hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan (2022).

Abstract

Background: Caregivers are pivotal in managing stroke patients, particularly in recognizing warning signs and facilitating timely medical intervention. However, caregiver awareness of stroke and related health-seeking behaviours remains understudied in Sudan. This study assessed the levels of stroke awareness among caregivers and explored the sociodemographic and systemic factors influencing their knowledge and behaviours.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of stroke patients at Ibrahim Malik and Soba Teaching Hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed to identify associations between sociodemographic characteristics and stroke awareness.

Results: Among the 200 caregivers surveyed, 57.5% demonstrated low awareness, 42.0% had moderate awareness, and only 0.5% exhibited high awareness. Chi-square test revealed that Education, employment, and urban residence were significantly associated with higher awareness levels (p-value < 0.001). Hypertension was the most recognized risk factor (55.5%), while headache was the most commonly identified warning sign (41.5%). Barriers to timely health-seeking behaviours included financial constraints (67.5%) and transportation difficulties (53.0%).

Conclusion: Stroke awareness among caregivers in Khartoum is inadequate, with significant sociodemographic disparities and systemic barriers contributing to low knowledge levels and delayed care. Targeted educational programs and healthcare access improvements are urgently needed to reduce the stroke burden in Sudan.