[Patients' knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors of stroke].

UNLABELLED: Regular physical activity constitutes effective measure of both primary and secondary protection against modern-age diseases. The aim of the paper was to assess the level of patients' knowledge regarding the influence of low physical activity and other modifiable risk factors affecting the increase in stroke occurrence in early stages of rehabilitation (day 9 after the cerebrovascular accident).

AIM: The aim of the paper was to assess the level of patients' knowledge regarding the influence of low physical activity and other modifiable risk factors affecting the increase in stroke occurrence in early stages of rehabilitation (day 9 after the cerebrovascular accident).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 96 patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology and Epileptology with Stroke Unit, who were diagnosed with a stroke with motion deficits and who were recommended kinesitherapy. All patients were interviewed, which was complemented with the authors' questionnaire including questions regarding the knowledge of modifiable risk factors of stroke.

RESULTS: The risk factor of stoke which was most frequently mentioned by the patients was arterial hypertension - 87 patients (90.6%). Only 7 respondents indicated low physical activity. On average, less risk factors were known by women. No correlation between age and the number of indicated risk factors was found.

CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients after stroke do not know how important low physical activity is in terms of it being a risk factor of stroke. The most recognized stroke factors are: arterial hypertension, carotid artery stenosis and atrial fibrillation. The level of patients' knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors of stroke connected with the style of life is insufficient. It is necessary to intensify educational activities that promote physical activity as an important element of prevention of modern-age diseases, including stroke.