Abstract

<p>Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which encompass a range of heart and blood vessel conditions, are the leading cause of mortality and a major contributor to global disability. Among these, stroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a significant increase in mortality over the past two decades. Stroke is responsible for approximately 10% of all global deaths, resulting in 5.5 million fatalities annually and 44 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. The burden of stroke is particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa, where it has the highest age-standardized incidence rate. In Nigeria, stroke is a leading cause of medical admissions, with a high 30-day case fatality rate and significant functional disability in survivors. Despite the considerable public health impact, stroke is largely preventable, and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of stroke prevention to reduce its global burden. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), efforts to mitigate the risk factors for stroke through public health interventions are crucial to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. This study explores the attitudes, knowledge, and preventive practices of healthcare workers toward stroke prevention strategies at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria, aiming to understand the gaps in knowledge and the challenges faced in implementing effective preventive measures. The findings of this study are expected to inform public health strategies and the development of policies that address stroke prevention, particularly in low-resource settings.</p>