การรับรู้สัญญาณเตือนและปัจจัยเสี่ยงต่อโรคหลอดเลือดสมองในผู้ป่วยโรคความดันโลหิตสูงและกลุ่มเสี่ยงสูงต่อความดันโลหิตสูง ตำบลน้ำโจ้ อำเภอแม่ทะ จังหวัดลำปาง

Abstract

The objectives of this descriptive study are to research the perception of warning signs and risk factors of stroke and to compare said perception between two sample groups: 291 of those with high blood pressure and 284 of those who are at risk of high blood pressure, in Namjo Subdistrict, Maeta District, Lampang. The data were collected by using interview. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used to analyze. The results showed that 42.6% of the high blood pressure group and 47.0% of the risk group had demonstrated high level of perception of warning signs respectively. Both groups had similar average in their mean score of perception. In-depth analysis showed that the most perceived warning sign of stroke, varying from 62.2% to 64.8% were the following: 1) sudden weakness on one side of face, arm, or leg, 2) sudden numbness on one side of face, arm, or leg, and 3) sudden dizziness, headache, trouble walking or staying balanced. As for the perception of risk factors of stroke, 66.0% of the high blood pressure group and 74.6% of the risk group had demonstrated similarly high levels of perception. Both groups had similar mean score of perception. In-depth analysis showed that the top three most perceived risk factors, particularly high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lack of regular exercise, were similarly identified by 72.2% of the high blood pressure group and 84.2% of the risk group. The results of this study will prove beneficial for public health authorities. The relevant persons should review the methods of education and advice for both who have high blood pressure and those who are at risk of high blood pressure in order to promote perception of their health risks and warning signs of stroke, which will help them change their risk behaviors to prevent stroke.