Hong Kong patients' knowledge of stroke does not influence time-to-hospital presentation

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 6 h 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. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.