Health education of patients with cardiovascular disease for effective self-care

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiovascular Disease leads to physical and psychosocial problems and worsens the quality of life of patients. Cardiovascular Disease Management is focused not only on reducing morbidity and mortality, but also on opportunities to improve daily life and overcome risk factors. Nurses play a key role in patient health education and their contributions have expanded in recent decades in Bulgaria. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities for nurses' active participation in the health education of patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Methods The study included 146 patients with Cardiovascular Disease and a control group. The mean age of the respondents is 61.15 ± 2.35. The practical part of the study included 52 patients. The toolkit contains questionnaires for assessing stress and coping with everyday life, behavioral risk factors, a health education program and self-care. All participants have signed an informed consent, in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results The results of physical activity, routine activities, self-care and anxiety show some disorders in the patient group. Patients with anxiety were 49.3%, individuals in the control group were 21.9%, (χ2 = 23.89, p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety level between patients and the control group (t = 4.07, p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the relative shares of the two groups in terms of anxiety and physical activity (Z = 7.09, p = 0.000). Patients with self-care difficulties and anxiety are 24.0%. A relationship between anxiety and self-care options was found in patients (Z = 6.29; p = 0.000). A structured interview was conducted to identify lifestyle risk factors. The results show that 55.8% of patients are overweight. The relationship between waist circumference and BMI is straight moderate (r = 0.397, p = 0.004). The predominant number of men who smoke is 60.7%. A relationship was established between smoking and the gender of the respondents (χ2 = 18.21, df = 2, p = 0.000). The nurse conducted an individual interview with each patient to improve diet, daily routine, control blood pressure, blood sugar and more. A pedagogical model for health education was applied, based on goal setting, motivation, and self-care to achieve long-term results in terms of risk factor management. Positive changes were reported after 3 months in terms of hygiene and diet, physical activity, regular monitoring of blood pressure and medication. Conclusion Patient education is one of the most important aspects of nurses' work. Primary care nurses are a key factor in improving the quality of life of patients by implementing self-care education programs, reducing risk factors and monitoring the condition.