Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke 2 .
Imagine a sudden, unexplained numbness washing over one side of your body. Your face begins to droop, and your speech slurs. In moments like these, every second counts. This is the reality of a stroke, a sudden neurological dysfunction caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain 1 . It is a critical global health issue and a leading cause of adult disability worldwide 6 7 .
In Saudi Arabia, stroke is a significant health concern, with a prevalence of 29 individuals per 100,000 per annum . For cities like Arar in the Northern Border Region, understanding public awareness is not just academic—it's a lifeline.
This article explores the findings of a cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, revealing how much the general population of Arar knows about stroke, and why this knowledge is the first crucial step in saving lives.
Often called a "brain attack," a stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die 1 .
Accounting for about 87% of all strokes 2 , this is caused by a blockage, such as a blood clot, in an artery leading to the brain.
This type occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue 6 .
The American Heart Association notes that up to 80% of strokes are preventable . The key lies in understanding and managing risk factors and recognizing the warning signs for immediate action.
To gauge the level of public knowledge, a cross-sectional study was conducted over two months in 2024 across different regions of Saudi Arabia, with a significant portion of participants (275, or 62%) from the Northern Border Region, which includes Arar city 1 .
The research involved a random sample of 442 individuals who met specific criteria: they were Saudi nationals, aged 20 years or older, and did not work or study in the medical field 1 .
A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms and shared through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter 1 .
It was designed to assess knowledge across several domains: general aspects of stroke, its risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and available treatment options.
Participants' scores were calculated as percentages and categorized as poor (0-50%), moderate (51-65%), or good (66-100%) knowledge 1 .
| Variable | Categories | Frequency | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Male | 163 | 37% |
| Female | 279 | 63% | |
| Education | Intermediate education | 31 | 7% |
| Secondary education | 77 | 17% | |
| University education | 334 | 76% | |
| Age (years) | 20-30 | 142 | 32% |
| 31-40 | 141 | 32% | |
| 41-50 | 122 | 28% | |
| 51-60 | 37 | 8% | |
| Occupation | Governmental | 120 | 27% |
| Private | 200 | 45% | |
| Student | 122 | 28% |
The study revealed that the overall knowledge level regarding stroke among the public was moderate, at 62% 1 . Digging deeper into the data from the Northern Border Region provides a clearer picture:
60%
Knowledge of Risk Factors
58%
Knowledge of Signs & Symptoms
60%
Awareness of Treatment Options
These figures highlight a significant gap in knowledge. While moderate, this level of awareness suggests that a substantial portion of the population may not be fully equipped to identify a stroke and take immediate, life-saving action.
When compared to a similar study conducted in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, the patterns and gaps are consistent. The southern study found that while major risk factors like hypertension were well-recognized (87%), awareness of other critical symptoms like sudden dizziness was lower (65%) 4 .
| Stroke Warning Sign | Recognition Rate in Southern KSA Study |
|---|---|
| Speech Difficulties | 78% |
| Hypertension as a Risk Factor | 87% |
| Sudden Dizziness | 65% |
The consequences of low stroke awareness are very real. In one survey, 93% of respondents recognized sudden numbness on one side as a symptom of stroke. However, only 38% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a stroke 2 . This gap between recognition and action can be fatal.
The F.A.S.T. acronym is a simple tool to remember the most common stroke symptoms and the critical need for urgency 1 :
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
Is one arm weak or numb?
Is speech slurred or strange?
If you see any of these signs, even if they go away, call for help immediately.
The CDC emphasizes that many strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and managing medical conditions 3 . Key modifiable risk factors include 1 3 :
Data from a Medina study shows significant deficits in recognizing key risk factors like diabetes and obesity :
| Risk Factor | Awareness Rate |
|---|---|
| Hypertension | 65.5% |
| Stress | 40.85% |
| Heart Disease | 39.7% |
| Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol) | 33.72% |
| Smoking | 32.94% |
| Diabetes | 21% |
| Obesity | 20.23% |
The study from the Northern Border Region paints a clear picture: there is a moderate but insufficient level of stroke awareness in Arar city and surrounding areas. With nearly 40% of the population lacking adequate knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and treatments, the need for targeted public education campaigns is urgent.
Enhancing public knowledge is a multifaceted endeavor. It requires collaboration between healthcare providers, community leaders, and the media to disseminate clear, accurate information about stroke prevention and the vital importance of acting F.A.S.T.
As the Medina study found, the internet and social media are the primary sources of health information for many , making them powerful tools for future campaigns.
Ultimately, empowering every citizen with this knowledge transforms them from a potential victim into a potential lifesaver—for themselves, their families, and their community.