Abstract

Background Strokes have emerged as one of the leading causes of deaths in rural India but people often remain uninformed about it. This study sought to understand knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare-seeking practices about strokes in rural Gadchiroli, India. Methods A total of 12 focus group discussions were conducted with 34 female and 43 male participants from six villages. Responses were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive method of qualitative data analysis. Results Respondents correctly recognized many symptoms of stroke and were aware of the sudden onset of symptoms. They were unaware of transient ischemic attacks. After stroke, healthcare was sought from private physicians, and physicians in the government run district hospital, or traditional herbal providers depending upon the accessibility, affordability, and perceived effectiveness of the therapy. Most of the respondents thought that stroke is a serious disease associated with disability as well as death and its occurrence in the community is increasing. However, only a few participants could correctly state how stroke occurs and its risk factors. Furthermore, many participants thought that stroke cannot be prevented as it occurs suddenly without any warning. Conclusion Rural people in Gadchiroli were aware of symptoms of stroke but awareness about the etiology and the risk factors was low. Suddenness of symptoms was perceived as a key barrier to taking any preventive action. Understanding such perceptions and addressing them can help improve counseling of patients by physicians and effectiveness of behavioral change communication to prevent stroke in rural areas.