Abstract Body: Introduction: The African Rigorous Innovative Stroke Epidemiological Surveillance (ARISES) study is focused on developing an integrated mHealth community-based interactive Stroke Information and Surveillance System. This is the first paper to qualitatively investigate and contrast community beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to stroke prevention, risk factors and care from alternative/complementary medicine providers/healers, orthodox/modern medicine/health care providers, community members and leaders in Nigeria.

Methods: Six focus groups with community members and leaders (n=57) and key informant interviews with health providers (n=24) from alternative/complementary medicine providers and orthodox/modern medicine providers were conducted to qualitatively explore beliefs, attitudes, practices, and recommendations related to stroke in urban (Ibadan) and rural (Ibarapa) communities in Nigeria. The Health Belief Model and Social Ecological Model guided the questions and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

Results: Participants perceived stroke as disabling though manageable but with odds of repeat stroke for survivors. High blood pressure, stress, sleep issues, heredity, and lifestyle factors were some stroke risk factors perceived by participants from both sites although God, witchcraft/evil people were reported by rural participants. Hospital visits and consumption of herbal concoction, self-medication and visit to church for prayers were some actions taken to manage stroke by both urban and rural participants. Low literacy levels, limited funds, fear of and distance to hospitals, and absence of insurance were some barriers to uptake of recommendations from orthodox medicine practitioners which are drivers to unorthodox practitioners. To improve stroke care and prevention across communities, free risk factor screening, indigenous stroke awareness programs via print, audio-visual and electronic media were suggested by all participants.

Conclusion Diverse beliefs and practices are related to stroke risk factors, prevention and care and barriers with obtaining care. There is need to work across systems to improve stroke prevention and care in communities.