Abstract
Background: Stroke risk factors are indeed preventable and if the population has a good literacy of stroke it might not only prevent the increase of cases but also decrease the overall incidence rate. Thereby, this study aimed to measure the level of stroke literacy in the general population living in Qassim province of Saudi Arabia, attributing special regard to the recognition of warning signs, risk factors, and available acute treatment.
Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted through Google Forms and was distributed through the social networks, such as WhatsApp and Telegram groups, to those who were living in Qassim region.
Results: A total of 402 participants were enrolled. The most common age group was 15-30 years (49.3%) with nearly 60% of females. Approximately 90% were living in Buraydah. It was found that the most commonly known symptoms of stroke were numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg and one side of the body (74.1%). The proportion of participants who were aware about the possibility of clot extraction by endovascular catheterization was 47.8%, while the proportion of participants who were aware of the specialized hospitals for stroke management was 17.2%. It was revealed that the mean knowledge score was 14.2 ± 4.22 out of 26 points and majority of the population had poor stroke literacy (45%).
Conclusion: There is deficient awareness toward stroke. Students seemed to have better stroke awareness than the others.

Key words: Stroke, cerebrovascular accident, awareness, risk factors, acute treatment