Stroke Prevention: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Bankers in Accra

Abstract

Stroke is the principal cause of death globally and lack of knowledge contributes to its rise in incidence (Sallar, Williams, Omishakin, & Lloyd, 2010). It is a main reason for disability and reduced quality of life (Agyemang, Attah-Adjepong, Owusu-Dabo et al, 2012). This study aimed at finding out the knowledge, attitudes and practices of bankers in Accra with regard to stroke prevention. The objectives were to assess the level of knowledge of bankers in Accra on stroke and its prevention, attitudes of bankers in Accra towards stroke, its prevention and the practices of bankers in Accra with respect to stroke prevention. The study was a quantitative study using the survey method. The study population was all bankers working in Société Générale branches in Accra. The simple random sampling technique was used in determining the sample and the sample size was 250. The instrument for data collection was a modified KAP questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, specifically, frequencies and crosstabulations were used to analyse and present the findings. The results showed that out of the 250 respondents, most of who were men, majority are well informed about stroke and its risk factors as well as its prevention. Also, majority of the respondents have positive attitudes towards stroke prevention and engage in practices that aid stroke prevention. The study recommends future research to include a qualitative perspective, in order to understand the reasons for specific tendencies in attitudes and practices towards stroke prevention. Further research could also include population segments other than the banking sector.