Assessment of Knowledge and attitude towards Stroke among the UAE population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study [version 2; peer review: 3 approved]

Background: Despite significant advancements in healthcare, the burden of stroke continues to rise in the developed world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between COVID-19 infection and stroke is well established. Factors identified for the delay in presentation and management include a lack of awareness regarding stroke. We aimed to assess the general public knowledge and attitudes on stroke and stroke risk factors in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022 among adults≥ 18 years old. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and stroke knowledge and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated based on the number of correct responses. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to knowledge and attitude towards stroke. Results: Of the 500 respondents, 69.4% were females, 53.4% were aged between 18 and 25, and nearly half were students (48.4%). The mean knowledge score was 13.66 (range 2-24). Hypertension (69%), smoking (63.2%), stress (56.4%) obesity/overweight (54.4%), and heart disease (53.6%) were identified as risk factors. Overall, the knowledge of signs/symptoms was suboptimal. The mean attitude score was 4.41 (range, 1-6); 70.2% would call an ambulance if someone were having a stroke. A monthly income of 11,000-50,000 AED and being a student were associated with positive knowledge. Being a non-health worker and lacking access to electronic media sources were associated with worse attitudes. Conclusion: Overall, we identified poor knowledge and suboptimal attitudes toward stroke. These findings reflect the need for effective public health approaches to improve stroke awareness, knowledge, and attitudes for effective prevention in the community. Presently, this is of utmost necessity, given the increased occurrence of stroke and its severity among COVID-19 patients.