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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 29, No. 2, 2017, pp. 171-176
Bioline Code: mm17037
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 29, No. 2, 2017, pp. 171-176

 en Factors associated with hospital arrival time after the onset of stroke symptoms: A cross-sectional study at two teaching hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe
Seremwe, Farayi; Kaseke, Farayi; Chikwanha, Theodora M. & Chikwasha, Vasco

Abstract

Background
Late presentation to hospital after onset of stroke affects management and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with time taken to present to hospital after the onset of acute stroke symptoms.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 2 teaching hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Harare Central Hospital). Participants included patients admitted with stroke and their relatives. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on history of stroke occurrence and time taken to present to hospital. Data were analysed for means, frequencies, percentages and odds ratios.
Results
One-third the participants were able to recognise symptoms of stroke. Lack of money to pay for hospital bills was a predictor of late hospital presentation (OR = 6.64; 95% CI = 2.05 to 21.53; P = 0.002). The other factors, though not statistically significant, included not perceiving stroke as a serious illness (OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 0.78 to 5.51; P = 0.083) and unavailability of transport (OR = 2.33; 95% CI = 0.71 to 7.56; P = 0.161). Predictors for early presentation included receiving knowledge about stroke from the community (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.15 to 1.39; P = 0.170), seeking help at the hospital (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.37; P = 0.177), and having a stroke while at the workplace (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.08 to 2.72; P = 0.389).
Conclusions
Regarding stroke as an emergency that does not require prerequisite payment for services at hospitals and improved community awareness may improve hospital arrival times after stroke onset.

 
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Alternative site location: http://revista.uft.edu.br/index.php/jbb/index

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