Key result
Youth stroke awareness reaches ~74% overall, but fewer than one-third identify key risk factors.
Why the study?
Although stroke is more common in older people, its risk factors are increasingly prevalent in young individuals, and understanding stroke awareness in youths is important.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,800)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 79% vs 67%
Although general awareness of CVA is high among youths in West Kabul, specific knowledge regarding risk factors, warning signs, and complications is poor, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.
Poor specific CVA knowledge among youths supports targeted education; leaves open whether interventions alter risk behaviors or outcomes.
Background: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke, is a leading cause of death and disability in the world. Although more common in older people, its causative factors—hypertension, cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise—are fast becoming common in young individuals. Understanding stroke warning signs and prevention is of primary importance. Objective: To assess the level of awareness of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), including risk factors, warning signs, and complications, among youths aged 18–25 years in West Kabul. Methods: 1,800 young people (900 men and 900 women) aged 18–25 years were surveyed using convenience sampling from schools, universities, public spaces and community centers. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire on demographics, CVA awareness, risk factors, and warning signs. SPSS was used for descriptive analysis of response. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and ethical principles for human research were observed. Results: Among males (n=900), 79% were aware of CVA; however, only 29% correctly identified major risk factors. Among females (n=900), 67% reported overall awareness, but only 34% accurately identified causes and risk determinants. A significant majority held misconceptions about lifestyle risks and warning signs, such as sudden weakness or speech difficulty. Good knowledge of CVA complications, including paralysis and permanent disability, was observed in only 24% of males and 30% of females. Conclusion: While most of the youths in West Kabul have a good understanding of CVA, proper awareness of risk factors, warning signs, and complications is not widespread. Less than one-third had high awareness, and this necessitates education specifically to this population. School programs and community outreach should be utilized to roll out stroke prevention programs to promote healthier lifestyles.
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Omid et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) awareness (n=1,800). Male sex vs. Female sex was evaluated on Overall awareness of CVA. In a survey of 1,800 youths in West Kabul, overall awareness of CVA was 79% in males and 67% in females, though less than one-third accurately identified major risk factors and complications.
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