Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine the effect of an education initiative on practitioner knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke prevention in women of reproductive age experiencing migraines and/or receiving hormonal contraceptives. Background: Studies focusing on the female population show women ages 35 and younger are 44% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke compared to men the same age (AHA, 2022) and Correia et al. (2021) found oral contraceptives were a risk factor for ischemic stroke in young women. Intervention: An education initiative for practitioners caring for young women will highlight migraine and hormonal contraceptives as risk factors for stroke in young women. Analysis: A pre- and post-knowledge assessment will be conducted, along with a follow-up survey of a 3-month post-educational session. Expected results include an increase in knowledge base among healthcare professionals, also a decrease in incidence of ischemic stroke among young adult women. Conclusion: Young adult women are at an increased risk for an ischemic stroke, specifically with history of migraines with or without aura, and/or on oral contraceptives.
