What are the knowledge gaps in understanding behavior change interventions for stroke secondary prevention?
Current knowledge gaps in this area include the following: The optimal behavior change intervention to reduce recurrent stroke is unknown at present, as is the optimal window to deliver interventions of this nature. Multiple systematic reviews of lifestyle-based behavioral interventions identify an existing knowledge gap relating to the potential of the interventions reported to date to affect outcomes of recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular end points in the longer term, beyond the intervention duration. Many behavioral interventions in published trials after stroke fail to identify whether a behavior change theory underpinned the intervention delivered, making it difficult to ascertain successful and unsuccessful components of complex behavior change interventions. A significant knowledge gap exists with respect to the specific or allied role of family caregivers and dyads in stroke secondary prevention in both the promotion and maintenance of health behaviors after stroke.