Gaps in stroke knowledge attitude and practice among healthcare professionals in the West region of Cameroon

  1. Njankouo Yacouba Mapoure
  2. Verlain Doumtsop Tsoala
  3. Daniel Gams Massi
  4. Jean II Dissongo
  5. Henry Namme Luma
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Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the major neurological emergency and a public health challenge worldwide. There is a disparity in stroke diagnosis and management between specialized hospitals and peripheral health facilities, in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to access the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding stroke among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the frontline in a resource-limited region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to June 2019 in the Mbouda and Mifi health districts of West Cameroon. A multiple-choice questionnaire was developed to access stroke-related KAP among working in public and private health facilities. Data were analyzed using EPI info version 7.1. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictive factors of unsatisfactory knowledge, inappropriate attitudes and unsafe practices. Results: A total of 357 HCPs from 48 health facilities participated in this study, with 192 (53.8%) from the Mbouda health district. Physicians represented for 11.7% of respondents. The mean age was 34.4 (9.1) years, and 55.5% had never received formal training on stroke. Only 138 (38.7%) participants correctly identified the WHO definition of stroke, and 167 (47.0%) reported they would routinely lower blood pressure in case of acute ischemic stroke. Overall, 339 participants (94.9%) had unsatisfactory knowledge, 309 (86.5%) displayed inappropriate attitudes, and 332 (90.2%) demonstrated unsafe practices. HCPs with secondary education were more likely to have unsatisfactory knowledge (p <0.001). Midwives (p = 0.024) and nursing assistants (p <0.001) were more likely to exhibit inappropriate attitudes. Conclusion: More than half of HCPs in the Mifi and Mbouda health districts had never received initial training on stroke nor continuous medical education. The majority of HCPs had unsatisfactory knowledge, inappropriate attitudes and unsafe practices.

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  1. Version published to 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8370322/v1 on Research Square