Association between Self-Awareness in Controlling Stroke Risk Factors and Recurrent Stroke Incidence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Stroke remains a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Recurrent stroke is strongly associated with inadequate control of modifiable risk factors, which may be influenced by patients’ self-awareness. This study aims to examine the association between self-awareness in controlling stroke risk factors and recurrent stroke incidence among stroke patients. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neurology Polyclinic of Bukittinggi Brain Hospital in 2025. A total of 100 stroke patients were recruited using non-probability accidental sampling. Data were collected using a validated self-awareness questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with odds ratio (OR) estimation. Most respondents had low self-awareness (76.0%). A significant association was found between self-awareness and recurrent stroke incidence (p = 0.002). Patients with low self-awareness were more likely to experience recurrent stroke (OR = 5.143). Low self-awareness in controlling stroke risk factors is significantly associated with recurrent stroke incidence. Strengthening patient-centered health education focusing on self-awareness may contribute to secondary stroke prevention.