Effect of Educational Program on Compliance with Medication Regimen of Myocardial Infarction Patients

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide as well as in Palestine. In Palestine, mortality rate from MI reach 18.7% in males and 7.7% in females. Recently it has become evidenced that there are certain modifiable factors that may contribute to the occurrence of MI. The study aims to determine the effect of an educational program about medication regimen on compliance of myocardial infarction patients in Gaza Strip. A quasi-experimental design (pre-test/post-test) was conducted at two major hospitals with cardiac outpatient clinics in the Gaza Strip. 65 clients suffering from myocardial infarctions were selected randomly from Shifa and Nasser hospital. Pretest and posttest structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data about patient's knowledge and reported practices about medication regimen. The educational program was typed and handed out to study participants in the form of a booklet. The study revealed that patients’ knowledge score about MI disease and treatment regimen pre educational was improved significantly post education program. The same as, the percentage of patients who ranking score of compliance as good was improved from 13.8% pre-education program to 72.3% post education. The study concluded that, educational program about medication regimen implicated changes in myocardial infarction subjects' knowledge, and reported practices. This would ultimately increase the quality of life for myocardial infarction patients and decrease the incidence of complications.

Keywords: compliance, myocardial infarction, educational program, knowledge, reported practice