노인의 뇌졸중 증상과 위험요인에 대한 인식도 조사

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Recognition of Stroke Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Older Adults in Korea

Han, Nam Yi Department of Nursing Graduate School of Chosun University Directed by Prof. Hwang, Seon Young Purpose : This descriptive study was conducted to identify the recognition of stroke symptoms and risk factors among older adults aged over 65 years. Methods : A total of 200 participants were conveniently recruited from a university hospital and a community health center in G-city. Data were collected by the interview of five trained research assistants from October to November, 2008. Measuring instrument were open-ended questions about symptom and risk factors and a modified SRQ (Stroke Recognition Questionnaire), which was developed by Ennen(2004) including true and false symptoms and risk factors. Data were analyzed by frequencies and percentages, and t-tests using SPSS PC version 12.0. Results : The results showed that mean age of the sample was 72 years of age and the 57% was female. In terms of risk factors the sample had, 52.5% and 30% had hypertension and diabetes, respectively. The 37% of the sample responded they were physically inactive and 8% was current smoker. In the open-ended questions, only 15.5% and 4.5% of the sample answered hypertension and diabetes were related with the incidence of stroke, espectively. In the answer of questionnaire, 48% did not recognize diabetes as a risk factor for stroke. The mean scores for symptoms and risk factors were 8.4±3.1(out of 15 points) and 9.5±3.9 (out of 16 points) respectively. The t-tests showed that the older adults who had elementary school graduation or lower and lower family income were more likely to have lower cognition of stroke symptoms; the older adults who had lower income and lived in rural area were more likely to have lower recognition of stroke risk factors compared to the counterparts. However, there were no significant differences between the older adults who had more than one risk factors and who had no risk factors in there cognition of stroke symptoms and risk factors. Conclusions : Planned education for early recognition of symptom and the management of risk factors is needed for the individuals at risk for stroke who had low educated and a low income.

Key Words: cognition, Stroke, Symptom, Risk Factor