<![CDATA[Background Stroke is the second leading cause of premature death globally, claiming approximately 7 million lives each year and Indonesia facing a high prevalence of 10.9 cases per 1,000,000 people. Although up to 90.5% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes, awareness and treatment rates remain low. Fewer than 10% of stroke patients in Asia receive thrombolytic therapy, with even lower utilization in Indonesia due to knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding symptoms and treatment. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the community's knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding risk factors, signs, symptoms, initial management, and public understanding about thrombolysis for acute stroke patients. MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Hermina Hospital Medan, Indonesia. Data were collected from November 2024 to February 2025 using questionnaires with a sample of 129 respondents. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were used to examine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices based on sociodemographic characteristics, while Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess their relationships with acute stroke. ResultsNearly half of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors. However, only 17.8% of participants were aware of thrombolytic treatment. Educational level influenced KAP with higher education associated with better knowledge. Nevertheless, misconceptions regarding stroke prognosis and treatment persisted and many respondents prioritized traditional remedies over medical care. While weakness was recognized as a common stroke symptom, awareness of mental health complications such as depression was low. Overall, although attitudes toward prevention and seeking emergency care were positive, actual practices were inadequate. ConclusionsRespondents demonstrated moderate knowledge of stroke, but there is a significant gap between their awareness and actual behaviors. Targeted campaigns are needed to enhance community education and improve stroke prevention and management. Keywords: Acute Stroke; Attitude; Knowledge; Practice]]>
