AUTHOR=Wan Meijuan , Liu Xiaoxu , Zhang Mengdi , Cui Zixin , Zhao Wenjuan , Li Jianzhou , Lin Shumei 

TITLE=Stigmatized Stroke? A Qualitative Study of Perception of Stroke Among Community Residents With Hypertension

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 69 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606781

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2024.1606781

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Background: Hypertension is the primary risk factor for stroke, and current stroke pretention approaches are insufficient and often fragmented. Understanding the perception of stroke among individuals with hypertension is crucial for a targeted approach. However empirical evidence on this perception is limited.Aim: To understand the perception of stroke among the hypertensive group.Methods: A qualitative design involved thematic analysis of focus group and interview data from urban China with hypertension. Audio recordings were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.Results: Three themes were identified. Hypertensive participants first find out stroke patients by their obviously physical disable, and then identify the disease as a bad thing. Finally, they wanted to stay away from stroke, but paradoxically, there is a contradictory approach to avoidance and prevention, such as being willing to prevent the disease or simply avoiding socializing with stroke patients. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients hold complex and diverse perceptions of stroke, including a certain stigma. Future public health education should prioritized enhancing media promotion and fostering interaction among patients with hypertension and stroke in the community.