J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  1999 Jun;11(2):288-297.

A Study on Knowledge about Myocardial Infarction in Korean Population

• Kim CJ
• Hur HK
• Lee JK

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the degree knowledge of myocardial infarction(MI) among the general population and to provide a direction for developing public health education programs. The subjects for this study were 187 people who lived in Seoul or Wonju City, Korea. The data were collected by questionnaire from Nov. ito Dec.5, 1997. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher based on a literature review, It consisted of 34 items of which nine items were on .iology, ten items on preventive measures, ten items signs & symptoms, five items on pain area. Analysis the data was done using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA with the SPSS PC program. The results of the study are as follows: 1. The scores for knowledge of etiology(5.94), preventive measures(7.13), signs & symptoms(5.33) and area of pain(1.62). The highest score for knowledge about MI was preventive measures. the lowest score was for area of pain. Almost half of the subjects were not aware that 'hyperglycemia'and 'fatigue'can cause a MI. Also more than half of the subjects were not aware that 'reduced high carbohydrated diet'can prevent ML So this study showed that the general population has a need for more information about the relationship of hyperglycemia to MI. Less than half of the subjects knew that 'alteration in sleep pattern(49.4%)'. 'nausea, vomiting. indigestion(36.4%)''pain in the area of radiation and not in the chest(24.2%)' are sign & symptom of MI. Most of the people are aware that pain will be College of Nursing, Yonsei University Department of Nursing, Wonju College of Medicine. Yonsei University Department of Nursing. College of Medicine. Dankook University slightly to the left of the sternum(733%) but were not aware that pain may also radiate to the shoulder or arm(74.8%), neck or teeth(90.6%) Also 35% of the subjects think there is no treatment for an MI after it has occurred. 2. In the relationship between social demographic characteristics and degree of knowledge, there were significant differences due to sex, education level, and marital status. 3. This study showed hat most subjects got their in formation about MI from T.V. and radio(62.7%), but the score for knowledge was not high. The following are suggested based on the above results 1) It is necessary to reinforce information about signs & symptoms, area of pain and treatment of MI in public education programs, because people who do not know that their symptoms represent a heart at tack will delay seeking care and medical attention, 2) Because there are significant differences between knowledge and demographic characteristic(sex. education level, marital status), it is necessary to develop effective health education programs to consider these characteristics. Also we need behavioral strategies to change lifestyle and prevent more people from entering the MI high risk group. 3) Patients are almost always frightened and fearful which can cause a fatal delay. Education should focus on the emotional reasons behind people's resistance to calling the emergency medical system. 4) Educational programs need to target the potential witnesses rather than the individuals who suffer cardiac symptoms, focusing on the independent role that family members should take in the face of cardiac symptoms. Families of high risk group members, particularly their spouses, should receive special education about handling changes in cardiac symptoms. 5) Further studies are needed to identify factors which can cause patients to delay seeking treatment and to investigate the adaptive coping strategies of MI patients & their families when they have signs & symptoms.

MeSH Terms

Education
Education, Special
Emergencies
Gangwon-do
Health Education
Heart
Humans
Hyperglycemia
Korea
Life Style
Marital Status
Myocardial Infarction*
Neck
Nursing
Public Health
Seoul
Shoulder
Spouses
Vomiting
Surveys and Questionnaires