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Poll Shows Ignorance of Stroke Prevention
Thursday October 21, 2004
Many people do not understand that many strokes, the third-leading cause
of death in Australia1, may be prevented. New
research released today shows that almost half of Australians are unaware of
this.
The research, published in the latest issue of the Pfizer Australia Health
Report, was conducted for the National Stroke Foundation and research-based
medicines company Pfizer Australia.
Although 68 percent of Australians polled said that someone close to them
has had a stroke, only 55 percent of those surveyed believe strokes can be
prevented.
Dr Erin Lalor from the National Stroke Foundation says that the finding from
this new research is alarming and clearly demonstrates the need for further
education.
“It is disturbing that so many people do not understand that many strokes
can be prevented. There are a number of risk factors that can be controlled
to reduce the chances of stroke,” Dr Lalor said.
To help reduce the risk of stroke, the National Stroke Foundation recommends
keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels low, quitting smoking, eating
a healthy diet and staying physically active.
The National Stroke Foundation estimates that 48,000 strokes occur throughout
the nation each year, with half of all strokes suffered affecting people under
the age of 75.
The research published in the latest Pfizer Health Report reveals that almost
half of Australians surveyed said the figure of 48,000 strokes a year is more
than they expected.
“Many people do not understand the high incidence of stroke in Australia.
The harsh reality is that one stroke occurs every 11 minutes in this country.
“Our message to Australians is that a stroke can occur at any age and
the chances of one occurring can be minimised. This research further supports
our current strokesafe™ program, developed to increase
public awareness,” said Dr Lalor.
The National Stroke Foundation’s public health campaign, strokesafe™,
aims to save 110,000 Australians from death and disability from stroke over
the next decade.
Other findings:
- The Australians polled have a firm understanding of the risk factors of
stroke, with the main areas being identified as high blood pressure, family
history of stroke, smoking and high cholesterol.
- Prevalence of risk factors in those surveyed:
- Just under one third have had high blood pressure;
- Just over one-in-five has had high cholesterol;
- Two-out-of-every-five have at some stage in their lives been regular
smokers;
- Irregular heartbeat has been experienced by one-in-every-ten;
- Six percent have diabetes;
- One-in-10 feel they have been excessive drinkers at some stage and;
- Just over one quarter have a family history of stroke
- Most Australians polled associated a stroke with ‘something happening
in the brain’, with 49 percent correctly understanding that a stroke
occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bleeds.
To assist with educating the public about stroke prevention, the National
Stroke Foundation has partnered with Pfizer Australia to produce this month’s
edition of the Pfizer Australia Health Report. Filled with useful information,
free copies can be requested by phoning 1800 675
229 or by visiting www.healthreport.com.au,
where people can also sign-up for email alerts of future editions.
The findings on Australian attitudes and feelings towards strokes are based
on responses from 1,469 people aged 18 and over. The research was conducted
in July 2004 by independent consultants; Stollznow Research.
NB: interviews with experts and STROKE SURVIVORS are available in
each state.
For more information please contact Hausmann Communications:
Kylie Whetton on (02) 8353 5737 or 0413 061 122
Linda Reid on (02) 8353 5745 or 0417 800 996
1 According to the Australian Institute of
Health Welfare