Abstract
Background: The prevalence of stroke is projected to rise over the next 30 years, particularly among younger adults (≤65 years of age). Stroke is associated with modifiable risk factors, highlighting the importance of risk factor modification. However, to modify risk factors, it is important to understand younger adult stroke and high-risk patients' lifestyle-related knowledge, behaviors and associated facilitators and barriers, which this study aimed to address with attention to sex, age, and stroke status-related differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected through an online self-reported survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted with attention to sex, age, and stroke status differences. Results: A total of 104 participants comprised the sample. Variability in lifestyle-knowledge was found. Most participants ate processed food, moderately exercised, slept <7 hours per night, had a sense of social connectedness, and moderate-to-manageable stress. Emotions, social and family responsibilities influenced diet and exercise. Sex, age, and stroke status differences were observed. Conclusions: Findings have implications on the development of lifestyle medicine prescriptions and interventions as standard of care to support brain health and reduce the risk of stroke and/or its reoccurrence.