Factors influencing alertness to premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with pre‐hospital delay

Abstract Objective The purpose was to explore the alertness of premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with prehospital delay, and to analyze the influencing factors. Design and Sample A cross‐sectional study using the convenience sampling method was conducted in the neurology department of a general hospital between November 2018 and July 2019. A total of 352 stroke patients were participated in the survey. Measures A hierarchical multiple regression was performed to analyze the factors related to the alertness of premonitory symptoms (0–9 scores) in stroke patients with prehospital delay. Results The alertness score was 6.53 ± 2.377. The lowest score of 0.55 ± 0.498 was for “Continuous yawning occurs continuously despite no tiredness or lack of sleep is okay, and need not be treated.” The hierarchical regression results revealed that symptom onset, symptom change before admission, knowledge, social support were the influencing factors delaying the alertness of premonitory symptoms. Knowledge and support from friends could improve the alertness, while support from family and other support had a notable negative impact. Conclusions Stroke patients need to be more alert toward premonitory symptoms. This alertness is related to stroke knowledge and social support. Nurses should formulate interventions and advise stroke patients to improve their stroke knowledge and expand their social network.