An Exploration of the Most Common Behavioral Risk Factors for Stroke Among Hospitalized Elderly in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major issue of public health globally. In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading disease-causing. The mortality rate of stroke in Saudi Arabia is around 27 per 100,000 (Alhazzan et al., 2014). Individuals 61 to 70 years of age experience the highest rate of stroke in Saudi Arabia (Asirvatham & Marwan, 2014). This study aims to understand the health knowledge and behaviors among stroke patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study with 101 stroke patients from a hospital in Saudi Arabia as its sample. Measured variables of interest are: knowledge of stroke risk factors, presence of hypertension/diabetes, and health behaviors: medication adherence, diet, physical activity, and smoking. Comparisons were made by gender, age, education, BMI, stroke knowledge and chronic conditions by chi-square test comparing frequency of stroke. Results: About 1/3 of patients reported poor medication adherence, with about ¾ forgetting to take their medicine. 20-30% reported engaging in unhealthy dietary behaviors. Only 1/3 reported any physical activity in the past month, and only walking. Almost ½ did not think that it was important to quit smoking or to engage in physical activity. About 2/3 did not think that maintaining a healthy weight was important and 1/3 did not see the importance of taking medicine on time. Knowledge of stroke risk factors was significantly related to dietary behaviors and medication adherence. Conclusion: This study indicates an apparent lack of sufficient understanding in stroke patients in Saudi Arabia, and perhaps the general population, of the importance of engaging in healthy behaviors regarding medication adherence, healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity. Greater emphasis should be placed on educating the public on the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent stroke.