Abstract: Objective To investigate the knowledge about risk factors for stroke in stroke patients. Methods 1043 stroke patients in 10 hospitals were investigated with self-designed questionnaire. Results The rate of awareness of risk factors for stroke was: hypertension 61.55%, hyperlipidemia 40.27%, drinking 32.21%, smoking 30.11%, diabetes mellitus 28.67%, heart disease 23.11%. 6.42% knew all the 6 risk factors, and 20.13% did not know any risk factor. The rate of awareness of diabetes mellitus was different among various aged groups (P<0.01), and the rate of awareness of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus increased with the years of education. Conclusion The stroke patients know less about the common risk factors for stroke, who need more health education.

Key words: stroke, risk factors, rate of awareness, patients, health education