Public awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the population of Ha'il region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Stroke is considered the commonest cause of death globally after ischemic heart disease. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of stroke was estimated at 40 per 100,000 in the Eastern Province and, 43.8 per 100,000 per year in Riyadh with a male to female predominance of 2.2:1. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs in the population of Ha'il region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ha'il region, Saudi Arabia, between June 2020 and July 2020. Results: Most of the participants were females (63%), and 37% were males. The relative majority of them were aged between 15 and 30 years old (42.9%). Most of the participants (84.8%) correctly named hypertension as a risk factor of stroke. Even though, 59.5% have not recognized dizziness as a warning sign of stroke. Conclusion: The study revealed that there is poor awareness regarding stroke risk factors and warning signs in the Ha'il region, Saudi Arabia. Without a doubt, Ha'il community needs comprehensive awareness campaigns.