CompletedNot Applicable

Effectiveness of a BEFAST-Based Stroke Education Module on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Stroke Patients at a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

Malaysia112 participantsStarted 2024-09-01

Plain-language summary

Stroke is a major health problem in Malaysia. Many stroke patients do not know how to recognize stroke symptoms quickly or when to seek emergency help. The BEFAST mnemonic (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) is a simple tool to help people remember stroke warning signs. This study tests whether a single stroke education session based on BEFAST improves knowledge, attitudes, and emergency response intentions among stroke patients admitted to a Malaysian tertiary hospital. The study will use a pre-post intervention design with follow-up at one month. Participants will be the stroke patients admitted to the neurology ward. They will receive a one-hour structured education module covering BEFAST symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of reaching a hospital within 4.5 hours. Education will is delivered by doctors and nurses using presentations, pamphlets, posters, videos, and follow-up WhatsApp messages. Outcomes will be assessed using a validated questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and practices at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and at one month. Associations between demographic factors and outcomes will also be explored.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Over 18 years old
. Diagnosed with acute stroke (either ischemic or hemorrhagic) confirmed via MRI or CT scan according to WHO criteria
. Clinically stable as determined by the attending neurologist using standardized assessment protocols
. Cognitively able to participate
. Able to understand Malay or English language as confirmed through structured communication assessment

Exclusion criteria

. Under 18 years of age

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Total Stroke Knowledge Score

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention (immediately after the 60-minute education session)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07636889

SponsorHospital Pengajar Universiti Putra Malaysia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-09-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials