Neurology. 2025 Apr 8;104(7_Supplement_1):4094. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000211448. Epub 2025 Apr 7.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Assess effectiveness of a new stroke education program and explore preferred methods of information dissemination amongst adults with stroke and/or their caregivers in Zambia.
BACKGROUND: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and top cause of adult-onset disability in Zambia, indicating the urgency for stroke education to improve recognition, pursuit of timely care, and secondary prevention. We instituted a novel stroke education program in Zambia’s first stroke unit in the capital of Lusaka.
DESIGN/METHODS: Adults with stroke were enrolled into this prospective cohort study at the time of hospitalization. During their hospitalization, they received content of a new stroke education program through individual sessions with a healthcare worker, hard copy handouts, and WhatsApp videos. Participants and/or their caregivers completed a stroke knowledge assessment at admission and at discharge, and responses were compared. Participants were also asked their preferred method of receiving this education, and these results are reported thematically.
RESULTS: Of 255 participants, majority were caregivers (93%) and female (78%) with an average age of 4511±years. Participants showed a statistically significant improvement in correctly identifying 47 of 58 stroke statements at discharge, including risks of smoking (83% vs. 26%, p<0.001), turning to prevent bedsores (93% vs. 40%, p<0.001) and depression presentation (71% vs. 40%, p<0.001). 92% received a health worker-led education session, and 64% independently reviewed bedside materials. While 41% received video links, only 45% had enough data to download the videos and most watched <2 of 6 videos. Most responders preferred bedside teaching with healthcare workers and printed handouts over videos.
CONCLUSIONS: Stroke education materials readily available at the bedside for self-study and teaching are effective in improving stroke knowledge in Zambia. Further efforts are needed to increase the accessibility and dissemination of videos as a learning tool and evaluate the generalizability of this stroke education program in other settings. Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff. Disclosure: Nagapranati Nanduri has nothing to disclose. Diwell Mwansa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Asukile has received research support from Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Dr. Asukile has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a meeting speaker with American Neurological Association. Dr. Gebrewold has nothing to disclose. Sarah Braun has nothing to disclose. Bwalya Mulenga has nothing to disclose. Ms. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chishimba has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chomba has nothing to disclose. Michael Kinkata has nothing to disclose. Musisye Luchembe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Masanzi has nothing to disclose. The institution of an immediate family member of Dr. Msimuko has received research support from Africa Development Bank. Dr. Mukambo has nothing to disclose. Julia Mwamba has nothing to disclose. Dr. Namangala has nothing to disclose. DAVID NASSORO has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nthere has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peloso has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Sahu has received research support from American Academy of Neurology and American Brain Foundation. The institution of Dr. Sahu has received research support from Fogarty International Center. Miss Shankanga has nothing to disclose. Dr. Smyth has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Zambart. Dr. Sneh has nothing to disclose. An immediate family member of Mr. Tembo has received research support from City University of New York (CUNY). Mr. Wekwete has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Research Coordinator with Zips Study. Leroy Yankae has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zimba has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saylor has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and Educational Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
PMID:40194019 | DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000211448
Recent Comments