Intrinsic factors influencing help-seeking behaviour in an acute stroke situation.

ABSTRACT: The proportion of stroke patients eligible for intravenous or intra-arterial treatment is still limited because many patients do not seek medical help immediately after stroke onset. The aim of our study was to explore which intrinsic factors and considerations influence help-seeking behaviour of relatively healthy participants, confronted with stroke situations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 non-stroke participants aged 50 years or older. We presented 5 clinical stroke situations as if experienced by the participants themselves. Recognition and interpretation of symptoms were evaluated and various factors influencing help-seeking behaviour were explored in-depth. We used the thematic synthesis method for data analysis. Five themes influencing help-seeking behaviour in

SUBMITTER: Zock E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4989004 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature