PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Background and Purpose Public knowledge of the correct action in acute stroke situations is important for therapy to start early. To assess the relation between knowledge of individual stroke symptoms and planned action, a written questionnaire - the Stroke Action Test (STAT) - was developed in the USA. The purpose Of this study was to develop and evaluate the STAT for the German-speaking area. Methods Standardised interviews with stroke survivors were conducted to gain descriptions about experienced stroke symptoms. The German instrument contains 16 items naming and describing a stroke symptom. The respondent selects I of 4 answer options for each item. Validity and reliability were analysed through comparing the results Of 99 members of senior citizens associations with 96 stroke survivors of stroke support groups. Results The seniors chose call ambulance for 51% of the named stroke symptoms, but chose call ambulance for 31% of stroke symptoms described in lay language. Score reliability is good (Cronbach alpha coefficient >0.9), Comparison Of the results of the seniors with stroke survivors suggests an adequate validity of the questionaire. Conclusions The questionnaire allows a differentiated assessment of stroke action knowledge among aged individuals. Because of its good reliability, the instrument is appropriate for assessing stroke action knowledge of the public before and after stroke education campaigns to demonstrate changes in the state of knowledge.