Evaluation of the relationship between post-stroke anxiety and stroke awareness and its effects on prognosis.

Background and purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Mental health problems occur in approximately one-third of stroke patients and have a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. With this study, we aimed to examine the effects of increasing knowledge about stroke risk factors, symptoms, and treatment on post-stroke anxiety and prognosis.

Methods: The research was conducted as a single-center, prospective study. Among 871 patients, 181 patients who were met the criteria were included in the study. Demographic data and etiological factors were examined. Patients were scored according to the Beck Anxiety Index at one-month follow-up, and statistical analyses were performed by determining modified Rankin scores at three-month follow-up.

Results: The mean age of the individuals participating in the study was determined to be 66.60± 13.26 years. A weak level of statistically significant negative correlation was observed between age and Beck Anxiety Index Score. No significant relationship was observed between anxiety and scale infarct localization. Significant differences were found in the responses to questions evaluating stroke awareness according to age. A significant difference was found in the comparison of educational status based on known stroke risk factors. As the number of known stroke risk factors increased, the mean age decreased. It was shown that those who were aware of stroke treatment sought medical help earlier. Individuals who were aware of stroke symptoms had higher 3rd-month modified Rankin Scale scores. Significant difference was found in the responses to the question "What symptoms occur in stroke survivors?" based on Beck Anxiety Index scores.

Conclusion: This study investigated the relationship between post-stroke anxiety and demographic variables, infarct localization, stroke awareness, factors influencing stroke awareness, patients' sources of information, factors affecting early hospital admission, and the impact of stroke awareness and post-stroke anxiety on prognosis. Studies aimed at increasing the knowledge level of patients with lower education levels and the elderly regarding stroke may contribute to their early hospital admission and improvement in prognosis if they experience a stroke. However, careful attention should be paid to anxiety in follow-ups of patients, especially in younger individuals with better knowledge about stroke.