KIẾN THỨC, THỰC HÀNH XỬ LÝ BAN ĐẦU ĐỘT QUỴ CỦA NGƯỜI DÂN TẠI CỘNG ĐỒNG TỈNH NAM ĐỊNH

Abstract

Objective: To describe the knowledge and initial stroke management practices among community residents in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to March 2024 among 1,800 residents from three representative communes/wards in Nam Dinh province. Data were collected using supervised self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Residents demonstrated good awareness of typical stroke symptoms such as facial droop (88.9%), slurred speech (86.7%), and limb weakness (83.1%). However, awareness of less specific signs such as sudden vision loss (38.3%) and fatigue (21.7%) remained low. While 94.6% of respondents knew to bring the patient to the hospital early, only 22.2% correctly identified the safe recovery position, and 20.3% knew to ask about medical history and symptom onset. Misguided practices like bloodletting (32.3%), coining or massage (36.6%), and giving food or drink (55.7%) were still common. Conclusion: Knowledge and practices regarding initial stroke management in the community remain limited, especially in terms of correct emergency responses. Recommendations: Strengthening health education, practical skill training, and the role of primary healthcare in community-based stroke response is urgently needed.