Article

The purpose of this study was to identify patient attitudes during hospitalization that may have predictive value for subsequent behavior change following myocardial infarction (MI). Attitudes and predictions of changes concerning coronary artery disease risk factors and return to normal activities were elicited by questionnaire from 256 patients with MI during hospitalization. Responses were compared with results from a series of assessment tools completed three and six months after hospital discharge. Patients who perceived high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, overweight, sedentary life-style, or family stress as important to their MI were significantly more likely to have the risk factor than those who did not. Patients' smoking behavior after MI paralleled their predicted behavior. For those patients who were overweight, at both three and six months, weight loss was greatest for those who indicated that they would attain their ideal weight. A significantly greater proportion of patients who predicted that they would not be restricted in their sexual activity resumed sexual activity within the first two weeks following hospital discharge compared with those patients who predicted that they would be somewhat or very restricted (42% vs 17%). Thus, in the areas of smoking, weight loss, and return to sexual activity, patients' attitude following MI did relate to subsequent behavior change. In addition, patients accurately identified those risk factors appropriate to them at a very early time following their myocardial infarction. These findings are important in that such questionnaires may assist in identifying those high-risk individuals who will most likely need extra assistance in risk-factor modification.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI

Identifiant basis : 1985001904