A web-based survey about pediatric stroke: Knowledge of pediatricians in Turkey


GÜNAY Ç., SARIKAYA UZAN G., HIZ A. S., Polat Kalafatçılar A. İ., YİŞ U.

Pediatrics International, vol.67, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 67 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/ped.70161
  • Journal Name: Pediatrics International
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: children, knowledge, questionnaire, stroke, survey
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Pediatric stroke requires a high level of awareness and knowledge among pediatricians to minimize mortality and morbidity. In this survey, we aimed to assess the knowledge of Turkish pediatricians about pediatric stroke. Methods: Pediatricians and pediatric residents were invited via social networking platforms to an online survey with multiple choices about definition, etiology, symptoms-signs, neuroimaging, and treatment modalities of pediatric stroke. Results: Of 474 participants enrolled, the majority (n = 355, 70.6%) had ≥5 years of experience in pediatrics. While thirty-five percent (n = 166) of the participants never assessed pediatric stroke patients, 74.5% (n = 353) were not familiar with a stroke scale. For items related to definition/etiology, symptoms/signs, neuroimaging modalities, and stroke scale, the median correct answer rates ranged from 45.1% to 58%. The lowest median rate of correct answers (23.6%) was for acute treatment strategies. Subgroup analysis revealed that pediatric neurologists and participants with ≥5 years of experience in a subspecialty had significantly higher correct answer rates in several items. Conclusions: Although correct answers were gathered in some areas, there is still abundant room for improvement. Stroke knowledge of pediatric neurologists seems to be better; however, this level of knowledge can be strengthened by well-established consensus regarding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.