The role of education on behavioral changes to modifiable risks factors after myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the condition of irreversible necrosis of the heart muscle that results from prolonged ischemia. After World War II coronary heart disease (CHD) assumed epidemic proportions in western countries, nowadays, myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Although conventional medical treatments may help an individual recover from a heart attack, the role of accurate information and education is important for cardiac rehabilitation. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the degree that education can influence the behaviour of the patients with first‐manifestated myocardial infarction towards the modifiable risk factors for coronary disease. Material and method: The sample study included 59 patients nursing in hospitals with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The data were collected by the completion of anonymous questionnaire during personal interview with the researcher at the baseline and after 6 months, in 2003‐04. Apart from the demographic‐characteristics, the questionnaire was consisted of items related to risk factors of the disease, the personal and family history, and the medicine therapy and laboratory tests. After the completion of the questionnaire, accurate information pertaining the modifiable risk factors of coronary disease was presented to the patients and printed instructions concerning dietary rules were distributed. The follow‐up took place 6 months later with the completion of the same questionnaire and laboratory tests. The compliance of the patients to the instructions given and to the new model of life according to the proposed dietary was evaluated during this follow‐up period. Results: Statistical analysis of the data showed that 79,7% were men and 20,3% were women. The mean age was 62 ±11,88 years old. The main risk factors for myocardial infraction were hypertension (74,6%), diabetes mellitus (40,7%), family history of coronary disease (50,8). Before acute myocardial infarction, the prevalence of high cholesterol was to a percentage of 72,9% of the patients, the percentage of current smokers was 71,2% and the percentage of alcohol users was 32,2%. Comparing the results of the first interview with the second interview, accrued a reduction to total cholesterol with statistically significant difference p=

Author(s): Marvaki Christina

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