“Stroke: How to recognise it?” - Stroke intervention project in the school community of Sintra (Portugal)

<ns4:p>This study addresses the critical issue of stroke, a leading cause of mortality and disability in Portugal, by implementing a comprehensive educational intervention among 10th-grade students. The Via Verde AVC (VVAVC) fast track protocols underscore the urgency of early stroke recognition, emphasizing the pivotal role of timely responses in pre-hospital emergency situations. The project, involving 458 students, demonstrates a substantial improvement in stroke knowledge post-intervention, with 88% of students recognizing stroke signs compared to 40% pre-intervention. Notably, 70% identified specific indicators such as facial asymmetry, limb weakness, and speech changes, a notable increase from 20% pre-intervention. Moreover, 90% of students demonstrated awareness of appropriate response measures, surpassing the 76% recorded initially. The success of the intervention suggests the significance of school-based programs in enhancing health literacy. The inclusion of a stroke survivor's personal testimony and potential spillover effects on parental knowledge further highlight the broader impact of such initiatives. The study encourages the expansion of this intervention to schools nationwide, envisioning its potential contribution to health literacy and the synergy between health and education systems. This research underscores the effectiveness of integrating real-life experiences into health promotion efforts, emphasizing the importance of such testimonials in future interventions within General and Family Medicine.</ns4:p>