Knowledge and practices on management of coronary artery disease among patients with coronary artery disease

The unprecedented economic development and rapid urbanization in Asian countries, particularly in India has led to a shift in health problems from Communicable to Non-communicable diseases1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has been often considered as “affluent person’s disease”, that is a disease caused by easy and sedentary life style, high calorie and high fat diet2. The CAD not only brings mortality but also results in increased morbidity resulting from the complications due to the disease2. The nurses have a significant role in making a difference in people’s attitude regarding health care and life style modifications for CAD3. The purpose of the present study is to assess the Knowledge and Practices of CAD patients regarding management of CAD and to develop an information booklet so as to enable them to cope with the lifestyle modifications. Objectives: Assess the level of Knowledge on Practices regarding Management of Coronary Artery Disease among patients diagnosed and admitted with Coronary Artery Disease. Determine the relationship between Knowledge and Practices regarding Management of Coronary Artery Disease among patients diagnosed and admitted with Coronary Artery Disease. Methods: The descriptive survey approach was used for the present study. The study was conducted in R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research center and R.L.Jalappa Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Tamaka, Kolar in the OPDs and Medical Wards. The formal permission along with patient consent was taken before collecting the data. The study participants were selected by using purposive sampling technique, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data was collected by structured interview schedule by using Structured Knowledge and Knowledge on Practice Questionnaire from 80 CAD patients. Major findings of the study showed that, the overall mean Knowledge score of CAD patients regarding Management of CAD was found to be inadequate (39.60%). the overall mean Knowledge on Practice score of CAD patients regarding Management of CAD was found to be inadequate (37.52%). there was a positive correlation between Knowledge and Knowledge on Practice of CAD patients regarding Management of CAD (r(79) =+ 0.97, t(cal)= 35.69) at 0.05 level and was significant. Conclusion: Health maintenance is the self- responsibility of each individual patient. The study highlights the vital role of nurses in making the CAD patients aware about the prevention and control of the modifiable risk factors of CAD thus reinforcing the statement, “Prevention is better than Cure.”