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Patients' knowledge and attitudes about myocardial infarction
Samar Noureddine1, Nuhad Y Dumit1, Hassan Maatouk2
1Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Insights
Patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) often lack knowledge about heart disease and its management. Improving patient education on recognizing and responding to MI symptoms is crucial for reducing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Education
Background:
- Delay in seeking emergency care is a major factor in myocardial infarction (MI) mortality.
- Understanding patient knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs is vital for improving post-MI outcomes.
- Effective patient education can empower individuals to manage heart disease and seek timely care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding heart disease in Lebanese patients post-MI hospitalization.
- To identify factors associated with these knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.
- To investigate the extent of heart disease education received by these patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 50 Lebanese patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction.
- Interviews conducted 1 month post-discharge using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index and Control Attitude Scale-Revised.
- Assessment of patient knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceived control related to heart disease.
Main Results:
- Inadequate knowledge was prevalent, with only 26% scoring above 70% on knowledge assessments.
- A significant majority (84%) reported receiving no formal education about heart disease.
- While confident in symptom recognition, patients showed inconsistent beliefs about the importance of prompt emergency care for MI.
Conclusions:
- Lebanese patients hospitalized for MI demonstrate insufficient knowledge and limited education regarding heart disease.
- There is a critical need to enhance patient education and counseling on recognizing and responding to MI symptoms.
- Improvements in heart disease education are necessary in both acute care and primary healthcare settings to reduce MI mortality.
Abstract:
Delay in seeking emergency care contributes significantly to the mortality associated with myocardial infarction. The aims of this descriptive study were to determine Lebanese patients' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about heart disease following their hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, the factors associated, and to investigate the education they receive about heart disease. The study targeted 50 participants diagnosed with myocardial infarction who were interviewed about their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived control related to heart disease in their home 1 month after being discharged from hospital using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Response Index and the Control Attitude Scale-Revised. The findings showed inadequate knowledge, with only 26% scoring over 70%. Moreover, only 16% reported having received education about heart disease. The participants reported confidence in recognizing symptoms and getting assistance during a myocardial infarction. However, their beliefs regarding the importance of prompt seeking of emergency care for myocardial infarction and control over their disease were inconsistent. Patient education and counseling about recognizing and responding adequately to symptoms of myocardial infarction must be improved in both acute and primary healthcare settings.