Influence of Knowledge about Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Symptoms on Self-Management Behaviors in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess stroke risk and Cardio-cerebrovascular symptom knowledge in patientswith atrial fibrillation, and to determine the relationship between knowledge and self-management in thesepatients.Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 120 patients from an outpatient clinic were recruited fromtwo medical centers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and data on risk factors andclinical characteristics were collected from patients’ medical records. The data were analyzed by one-wayanalysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis.Results: The risk of stroke was estimated to be 82.5%. For the assessment of patient cardio-cerebrovascularsymptom knowledge the correct answer rate was as 37%. Hierarchical regression analysis showed thatknowledge about cardio-cerebrovascular disease symptoms was a significant predictor, explaining anadditional 28.3% of the variance of self-management behaviors.Conclusions: These results suggest the need for education programs that include information about cardiocerebrovasculardisease symptoms and the risks of stroke occurring as a complication, in order to enhanceself-management behaviors in patients with atrial fibrillation.