A prospective interview of consecutive patients admitted with acute stroke was conducted over an 8-week period to study the influence of patients' knowledge of stroke on time to presentation in Hong Kong. Early arrival was defined as within 6h of symptom onset. The patients' general knowledge of stroke was fair, and early arrival was seen in 40 (56.3%) of 71 patients. Early presentation was associated with male sex (P= 0.028) and a lower initial Glasgow coma scale score (P= 0.072), but not with age, a better general knowledge of stroke, a previous history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack, Rankin score upon discharge, and level of education. On the other hand, late presentation was associated with a belief in permanent disability (P= 0.056). Thus, improving the general knowledge of stroke among Hong Kong people may not reduce delay in hospital presentation of stroke patients.
Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.