Authors :
Dr. Nilofurbanu
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 11 - November
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4r5wfrcs
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/yhphfzyh
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10184407
Abstract :
Prehospital delay in acute stroke is a critical
factor influencing patient outcomes. This study,
conducted in South India, aimed to identify and
understand the risk factors associated with prehospital
delay in patients with acute stroke. A total of 260 patients
with acute stroke were included in this cross-sectional
descriptive study, conducted between 2021 and 2022.
Various demographic, medical, and contextual
factors were analyzed to determine their impact on
prehospital delay. Factors such as age, marital status,
education, occupation, living status, medical insurance,
place of residence, type of stroke, and history of stroke
were found to be statistically significant contributors to
prehospital delay. Age groups between 41-70 years, being
married, higher education, skilled or professional
occupation, and living in nuclear families were associated
with greater prehospital delays.
Additionally, factors related to the location and
timing of stroke onset, such as whether the stroke
occurred at home or outside, the day of the week, and the
time of onset, were found to contribute significantly to
prehospital delay. Stroke onset during weekdays and
specific time intervals, as well as a longer distance and
transportation time to the hospital, were linked to
increased prehospital delay.
The study also explored the association between
specific stroke symptoms and prehospital delay.
Symptoms like slurred speech, dizziness, deviation of the
face, and vomiting were associated with prehospital
delay. Hemiplegia and headache, on the other hand, were
not significant contributors to delay.
In conclusion, prehospital delay in acute stroke care
is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors.
Addressing these factors through targeted education
programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, and
culturally sensitive healthcare can help reduce
prehospital delays and improve stroke outcomes.
Recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking timely medical
attention are crucial for providing the best possible
outcomes for stroke patients. This study provides
valuable insights into the risk factors associated with
prehospital delay in acute stroke, offering potential
strategies for improvement in stroke care.
Prehospital delay in acute stroke is a critical
factor influencing patient outcomes. This study,
conducted in South India, aimed to identify and
understand the risk factors associated with prehospital
delay in patients with acute stroke. A total of 260 patients
with acute stroke were included in this cross-sectional
descriptive study, conducted between 2021 and 2022.
Various demographic, medical, and contextual
factors were analyzed to determine their impact on
prehospital delay. Factors such as age, marital status,
education, occupation, living status, medical insurance,
place of residence, type of stroke, and history of stroke
were found to be statistically significant contributors to
prehospital delay. Age groups between 41-70 years, being
married, higher education, skilled or professional
occupation, and living in nuclear families were associated
with greater prehospital delays.
Additionally, factors related to the location and
timing of stroke onset, such as whether the stroke
occurred at home or outside, the day of the week, and the
time of onset, were found to contribute significantly to
prehospital delay. Stroke onset during weekdays and
specific time intervals, as well as a longer distance and
transportation time to the hospital, were linked to
increased prehospital delay.
The study also explored the association between
specific stroke symptoms and prehospital delay.
Symptoms like slurred speech, dizziness, deviation of the
face, and vomiting were associated with prehospital
delay. Hemiplegia and headache, on the other hand, were
not significant contributors to delay.
In conclusion, prehospital delay in acute stroke care
is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors.
Addressing these factors through targeted education
programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, and
culturally sensitive healthcare can help reduce
prehospital delays and improve stroke outcomes.
Recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking timely medical
attention are crucial for providing the best possible
outcomes for stroke patients. This study provides
valuable insights into the risk factors associated with
prehospital delay in acute stroke, offering potential
strategies for improvement in stroke care.
