Measurement and Outcomes of the Perceived Risk of Stroke: A Review.
Dawn M Aycock, Patricia C Clark, Semere Araya
PMID 29243562WHAT IT FOUND
People often misjudge their stroke risk.
Across 10 studies, perceived risk did not match measured risk, and about half were inaccurate. All studies used one question, with different wording and response options.
Key findings
01All included studies measured perceived stroke risk with a single question, and the review found no multi-item measure.
02In 10 studies comparing perceived and actual stroke risk, there was no significant association, and about half of participants had inaccurate perceptions.
03Having known stroke risk factors was the most common predictor of higher perceived risk, but not everyone with risk factors saw themselves as at higher risk.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a review of 16 studies, not a new trial, so it cannot establish that any intervention works. All studies used single-item measures with different wording, response options and time frames, and most were not validated in the studied groups. No multi-item measure of perceived stroke risk was identified. The included studies varied in design, population and actual-risk calculation. Sample sizes were small in some studies. Non-English-language studies and unpublished studies were excluded. Behavior outcomes were not measured in some intervention studies.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that a single question about perceived stroke risk is a valid assessment or that risk education changes behavior. All studies used single items, no multi-item measure was found, and intervention studies did not consistently show behavior change.