Design and implementation of a follow-up and training program of health-promoting lifestyle after the coronary artery bypass graft

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) plays an important role in reducing coronary heart disease mortality, but patients are still at risk after surgery. Consequences can be avoided if threatening behaviors are soon detected and lifestyles are promoted. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate, follow‑up, and promote a healthy lifestyle in the patients.

The present research was a quasi‑experimental pre‑ and postintervention single‑group study on 35 patients under the CABG at two hospitals affiliated to the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran from August 2020 to April 2021. The samples were selected using the purposive sampling method and the educational content was determined by creating an expert panel. We utilized the Health‑promoting Lifestyle Profile II to collect data, and SPSS 22 to analyze them.

There was a significant difference between mean total scores of health‑promoting lifestyle before and after the intervention and they reached from 138.7 ± 20 to 157.2 ± 18 (P < 0.0001). There was also a statistically significant difference between mean scores of nutrition (P < 0.003), physical activity (P < 0.0001), health responsibility (P < 0.0001), and stress management (P < 0.0001) before and after the intervention, but there was no statistically significant difference between mean scores of interpersonal relationships, and spiritual growth before and after the intervention.

The program had a positive effect on the health‑promoting lifestyle scores of patients after CABG. It is possible to increase scores of healthy lifestyles in the patients by combining face‑to‑face and virtual training methods as well as involving family members and relatives of patients in training and follow‑up programs.