The escalating global burden of strokes, as reported by the World Stroke Organization, underscores an urgent health crisis, with over 12 million new cases annually and more than 100 million individuals currently living with the condition. Within this context, cerebral infarction, the predominant form of cerebrovascular disease, has been on the rise, partly due to demographic shifts toward an older population. This condition, which is primarily categorized into hemorrhagic and ischemic types, represents about 80% of all stroke occurrences. Moreover, cerebral infarction is distinguished by its severe outcomes, being the second leading cause of death from diseases worldwide and resulting in serious long-term impairments such as memory disorders and paralysis among survivors.
Based on epidemiological data from 2013, the incidence and mortality rates of cerebral infarction in China significantly exceeded the global average, with reported incidences of 42% in Chinese men and 37% in Chinese women. A 2019 study published in the Lancet identified cerebral stroke as the leading cause of death in China over the period from 1990 to 2017. In recent years, the aging population in China has contributed to an increase in cerebral infarction cases. Although mortality rates have declined compared to 10 years ago, the disability rate associated with this condition remains alarmingly high. Approximately 75% of those affected by cerebral infarction suffer from neurological deficits leading to disability, and 40% experience severe disability.
In response to these daunting challenges, the significance of home healthcare, also known as in-home care, social care, or domiciliary care, has been increasingly recognized within the healthcare paradigm. Following acute and rehabilitation treatment phases, a substantial majority of stroke survivors, approximately 80%, opt for returning home. Here, they rely heavily on family caregivers for the bulk of their ongoing care needs, with these caregivers dedicating an average of 35 hours per week in providing care during the first year after a stroke.
The Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) theory occupies a central position in influencing human health behaviors
