Abstract: Objective: To describe the trajectory of recurrence risk perception in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke within 6 months after onset and analyze its influencing factors, in order to provide evidence for the formulation of personalized intervention measures. Methods: A total of 153 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were recruited in two tertiary grade A hospitals in Guangzhou from February 2023 to February 2024 through convenience sampling. Participants were assessed using a general information questionnaire, the Stroke Recurrence Risk Perception Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form, and the Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire before discharge, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. The generalized estimating equation was employed to analyse the trajectory of recurrence risk perception and its influencing factors. Results: The total scores of the Stroke Recurrence Risk Perception Scale at the four time points were 45.93±4.40, 46.82±4.14, 47.49±4.18, and 48.00±3.90, respectively, indicating a moderately high level. The level of recurrence risk perception showed an upward trend over time (β=0.670, P<0.05). Gender, health knowledge level, activities of daily living before discharge, and affected upper limb muscle strength before discharge were independent influencing factors (P<0.05). Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the level of recurrence risk perception in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke in the early stage after onset, and develop targeted intervention strategies based on the influencing factors to prevent stroke recurrence.

Key words: first-ever ischemic stroke; recurrence risk perception; in?uencing factor; generalized estimating equation; longitudinal study