ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A229 BRIDGING STROKE CARE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS IN QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES ON TELESTROKE NETWORK

Abstract Background and aims Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with delayed recognition and referral contributing to poor outcomes. To improve early response, the Quezon City (QC) Telestroke Network—the first local government–based telestroke system in the Philippines—was established to link frontline providers to stroke experts. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are key to early recognition and activation. This study assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding stroke and the QC Telestroke Network, and identified factors associated with KAP and system use. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional, correlational survey was conducted among 202 BHWs using a validated questionnaire. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and system utilization were analyzed with descriptive statistics, One-Way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test, and chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results Mean age was 49 years (SD=9.9); most respondents were female (89.5%) and had more than five years of service (37.8%). Over half had previous stroke-related training (59%), and 27.7% had telestroke-specific training. Mean knowledge scores were high for stroke (76.7%) and telestroke (85.5%). Attitudes were strongly positive (mean=4.37/5), particularly regarding telestroke’s role in saving lives. However, only 31.1% reported using the network in the past six months. Telestroke familiarity was associated with higher knowledge, while longer service correlated with more positive attitudes and greater utilization. Reported barriers included lack of training (61.4%) and unstable internet connectivity (15.8%). Conclusions BHWs in QC possess strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward telestroke, but utilization remains limited. Expanded training, supervision, and technological support are needed to strengthen community-based stroke response. Conflict of interest Gerard Vincent Aguas: Nothing to disclose Figure 1 - belongs to Results