The Feasibility Study About Stroke Public Education Using "Fast" In China

Objective:To compare the identification capability of "Suddens" with "FAST" for stroke and TIA warning signs as well as the stroke education effects, to evaluate the feasibility of using FAST as the stroke education strategy in China. Based on this, to make a domestic first stroke animation which suit for our public education.Methods:(1) The stroke/TIA cases consecutively admitted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2009 to October 2012 were ascertained. The initial presenting symptoms were abstracted from the medical record. (2) 200 community residents from Yuzhong District of Chongqing were randomly divided into two groups, which receiving Suddens and FAST stroke education respectively. The knowledge of stroke warning symptoms was investigated before, immediately, and 3 months after the receiving of stroke education. (3) Designed and made the animated short film about stroke, the contents mainly included three most common symptoms of stroke, how to recognize, and deal with the sudden onset of stroke symptoms.Results:(1) A total of 1877 stroke/TIA patients were collected. Of these events,19.6% had presenting symptoms not included in "FAST", whereas 0.5% had presenting symptoms not included in the "Suddens". "Suddens"identified all the ischemic stroke, missed 1.8% of TIA,1.1% of the ICH and 1.2% of the SAH. "FAST" missed 7.3% of the ischemic stroke, 12.7% of the TIA,23.5% of the ICH and 94.5% of the SAH. (2) The knowledge of stroke warning symptoms was significantly improved immediately and 3 months after stroke education,(P<0.05). Compared with the immediately after stroke, the knowledge level of stroke warning symptoms among the FAST group did not decrease significantly 3 months after stroke education(P>0.05), however, the knowledge level of stroke warning symptoms among the Suddens group decreased significantly(P<0.05). (3) A three minutes of Flash animation short film with Chinese subtitles and original background music was completed, which described the main three symptoms of the stroke, and stressed the emergency consciousness to dial "120" after the occurrence of stroke.Conclusion:"FAST" identified the majority of stroke/TIA patients, despite its recognition ability not equal to "Suddens". The "FAST" message performed better for ischemic stroke and TIA than for hemorrhagic stroke. "FAST" is easier to remember than the "Suddens", it may be useful for public stroke education in China. The first domestic animation about stroke may contribute to the public education, its propaganda effect needs further evaluation.