iarjimphIARJIMPHIARJIMPH2709-331Xhttps://doi.org/10.47310/iarjimph.2025.v06i02.002Stroke Literacy in Punjab: Awareness of Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Emergency Response Among the General PublicEvaGargShivanshGuptaAyushiGuptaDayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, IndiaKasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, IndiaVardhman Mahavir Medical College, Delhi, IndiaBackground: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, and India is experiencing a growing burden due to lifestyle changes, aging populations, and poor awareness. Punjab, with its high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, substance use, and sedentary lifestyles, is at particular risk. Despite this, limited data exist on public awareness of stroke in the region. This study was conducted to assess awareness of stroke risk factors, warning signs, and immediate management among the general public of Punjab, while identifying socio-demographic determinants influencing knowledge levels. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adults aged ≥18 years across urban and rural Punjab. Data were collected through a structured, validated questionnaire designed on Google Forms, covering socio-demographics, awareness of stroke risk factors, and recognition of warning signs. Each correct response was scored as 1, with total knowledge scores categorized as excellent (16–20), good (12–15), fair (8–11), and poor (0–7). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to explore associations between knowledge levels and socio-demographic variables. Results: Of 400 participants, the majority were aged 30–44 years (34.0%), males (52.5%), and urban residents (56.0%). Hypertension (69.0%) and diabetes (62.0%) were the most widely recognized stroke risk factors, whereas awareness of lifestyle contributors such as physical inactivity (41.0%), excess salt intake (43.5%), and stress (46.5%) was limited. Only 32.0% recognized family history and 34.5% increasing age as risk factors. Among warning signs, slurred speech (73.0%) and sudden weakness (69.0%) were well identified, but recognition of vision loss (51.0%), confusion (49.0%), imbalance (47.0%), and severe headache (44.5%) was poor. Only 41.0% were aware of the FAST test, though 75.5% correctly emphasized the need for immediate hospital referral. Overall, 17.0% demonstrated excellent knowledge, 30.5% good, 34.5% fair, and 18.0% poor. Education, occupation, and residence were significantly associated with knowledge levels, while age and gender were not. Conclusion: The study reveals moderate stroke awareness in Punjab, with critical gaps in understanding lifestyle and hereditary risk factors, recognition of non-classical symptoms, and emergency response strategies. Targeted community-based health education, integration of stroke literacy into existing NCD programs, and greater outreach in rural and less educated populations are urgently needed to improve early recognition, timely intervention, and reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.