Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite its preventability, stroke remains a leading cause of disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding stroke prevention play a crucial role in reducing its burden. This study aims to assess the KAP of hypertensive patients toward stroke prevention in rural areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted among 230 hypertensive individuals from selected rural areas of NCR, India, using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured and validated questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to stroke prevention. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Bartlett's test, and Spearman correlation coefficient were applied for data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. RESULTS: The study found that only 44.78% of participants correctly identified stroke risk factors, while awareness of warning signs (35.22%) and symptoms (22.61%) was notably low. A significant portion (65.07%) adhered to daily antihypertensive medication, but only 37.99% regularly monitored their health. Attitudes toward hypertension and stroke prevention were mixed, with 47.39% believing stroke could be managed with medication alone. Lifestyle-based interventions, such as exercise and dietary modifications, were less commonly acknowledged, with only 47.60% avoiding extra salt. Spearman's correlation showed a significant positive association between knowledge and practice (r = 0.3466, P = 0.0001), suggesting that improved knowledge leads to better health behaviors. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a moderate level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and relatively good practices among hypertensive patients in rural NCR, India. However, gaps in stroke awareness, emergency response knowledge, and non-pharmacological management strategies need to be addressed. Targeted educational interventions by healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, can play a vital role in improving stroke prevention awareness and practices in rural populations.