By conducting assessments before implementing the intervention, the researchers gained valuable insights into the initial condition of the Berea communities, including their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward stroke, as well as baseline hospital admission patterns. One of the key reasons pre-testing was essential in this project was its role in establishing a clear baseline for evaluating the impact of the intervention. This baseline enabled the team to measure changes resulting from the programme and assess its overall effectiveness. Pre- and post-surveys served as critical tools for capturing shifts in community knowledge, attitudes, and practices, similar to how such tools are used to evaluate high-touch programmes like job skills training. Through carefully designed surveys, the Department of Nursing collected data that supported evidence-based decision-making and ongoing improvement. In addition, hospital records provided important statistics on admissions, discharges, and deaths related to stroke, and these were reviewed before and after the intervention to identify any improvements attributable to the project.Â