EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PATIENTS

Cardiovascular diseases put enormous financial stress on national health system. Educating and informing cardiovascular patients of risk factors minimizes and prevents recurrent attacks. Patient education should be designed based on their needs and these needs should be identified by nurses. This descriptive study covered 27 patients in CCU ward of Bonab Imam Khomeini Hospital. The data were collected by a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS software. The average age was 50-89 years. Patients gave the highest mean scores to symptom management item (4.67). The lowest mean score was given to physical activity item (3.71). There was a significant relationship between patient's age, driving, work, and sexual activities. These finding prove the need for self-care management training following myocardial infarction. Ole patients were less interested in driving and sex education (P<0.005 and P=0.005). According to the changing needs of patients, a need assessment is necessary before beginning each program.