Category Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Stroke Preparedness Among Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: A Latent Class Study

ABSTRACT This study used latent class analysis to explore the potential characteristics of stroke preparedness and the factors that influence it in middle‐aged and older adults. A total of 845 middle‐aged and older adults were recruited from 16 communities in Guangdong Province between July and August 2022. We identified four potential categories of stroke preparedness among middle‐aged and older adults: recognition of stroke‐emergency medical services (EMS) activation, low symptoms alertness‐hospital avoidance, recognition of stroke‐go to the hospital, and overlook arm weakness‐go to the hospital. The categories could be determined by education level, medical background, knowledge of stroke and knowledge of Stroke 1‐2‐0 (Chinese version of FAST), conscientiousness traits, and level of family support. The findings of the four categories and their influencing factors suggest that community caregivers should adopt targeted interventions according to the characteristics of different groups of middle‐aged and older adults to improve their ability to recognize and cope with stroke.