Instruments for assessing knowledge about stroke: an integrative literature review

Aim: To summarize studies that used scales and questionnaires to assess the population's knowledge about acute stroke symptoms. Method: Integrative literature review, carried out in five databases, including free access articles and texts available in full, without date or language restriction, which used validated questionnaires to assess the population's knowledge about stroke. Result: 26 studies were included; composed of 19 cross-sectional studies, 10 in Asian countries and 13 used validated questionnaires from other studies; 16 studies used closed questions. Implications for practice: There is a need to build valid and reliable instruments to assess the population's actual knowledge about stroke and implement outcome-based interventions. It is important to build robust research to implement effective prevention and action in cases of stroke.