Background

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a particularly high burden in developing countries like Nigeria. Understanding the awareness of stroke, especially among high-risk populations such as older women, is crucial for effective prevention. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to stroke prevention among older women in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 320 women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which assessed participants’ knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and attitudes and practices related to stroke prevention. Data analysis was done using SPSS. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study found that 96.3% of the respondents were aware of stroke, with a majority recognizing hypertension (85.8%) and diabetes (52.5%) as major risk factors. Despite this, significant gaps were observed in the knowledge of stroke symptoms and prevention methods. Attitudes towards stroke prevention were predominantly positive, with 89.6% acknowledging its importance. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant association between knowledge and most socio-demographic characteristics, but significant associations were found between attitude and characteristics such as ethnicity, marital status, and education level.

Conclusions

The results reveal a high level of awareness but inadequate knowledge and inconsistent practices regarding stroke prevention among older women in Osogbo. This highlights the necessity for targeted educational programs to address these gaps and promote effective stroke prevention in this vulnerable population.