Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine beliefs and perception of stroke among adults in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. Four research questions were raised and one hypothesis formulated to direct the course of the study. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted and participants selected from five wards in the LGA using multi-stage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire with high reliability coefficient. Data collected were presented and analyzed using frequency table, charts and simple percentages. Weighted mean scores were computed and used to decide whether or not item is significant based on cut-off weighted score of 3.0. Research hypothesis was tested using chi-square statistical analysis significant at 0.05. Findings revealed that people in the area significantly belief stroke is caused by witchcraft (3.94±1.16), and cause could be revealed by consulting traditional oracle (3.74±1.36). Significant belief exist that treatment is best offered by traditional healers (3.94±1.16); and cause is from curse from the gods and/or ancestors (3.15±1.28). Regarding religious beliefs, that lack of faith and trust in God is why people become sick with stroke (3.96±1.04); and that patients with stroke are possessed by the devil (3.05±1.34). Findings further revealed that there’s poor perception regarding stroke as influenced by individual characteristics like sex, age, ethnicity, religion and educational status. It was recommended that Government through Public Health Department should embark on enlightenment of public on clinical causes of stroke, need for regular blood pressure check, avoidance of stress and stress provoking situations.

Keywords: Stroke: A sudden clinical manifestation challenging cerebral functioning for a period more than 24 hours arising from interference in client’s normal vascular system.

Beliefs: This is an acceptance that something is true and real even without evidence and proof.

Perception: A way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something.

Adult: In the context of this study, adults refer to humans who are more but not less than 18 years of age.

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