Predictors of anticipated coping behavior at myocardial infarction symptom onset among a nationwide sample of Korean adults.

Kyong Sil Park

doi:10.4178/epih.e2021006

Abstract

OBJECTIVESThis cross-sectional study based on the health belief model investigated predictors of anticipated coping behavior at myocardial infarction (MI) symptom onset using secondary data from the 2017 Korea Community Health Survey.METHODSModifying variables (socioeconomic, health knowledge, perceived threat) were selected as independent variables and anticipated coping behavior at MI symptom onset as the dependent variable. Calling 911 was classified as the correct anticipated coping behavior, while visiting a hospital or an oriental hospital, calling family, and others were classified as incorrect.RESULTSOf 227,740 participants, 83.2% reported correct anticipated coping behaviors. The likelihood of calling 911 was low if participants experienced atypical symptoms (jaw, neck, back, arm, and shoulder pain), even if they were aware of those symptoms. However, 69.9% of participants who were aware of typical symptoms (chest pain) stated that they would call-911. Sex, age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and awareness of MI symptoms affected the correct anticipated coping behavior.CONCLUSIONSCorrect coping abilities among the general public are vitally important for early treatment of MI patients and reduction of hospitalization time. Members of the general public in their 20s and 30s, 60 years of age or older, with cardiovascular risk factors (male sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity), and who are not aware of MI symptoms should be educated about the typical and atypical symptoms of MI. Emergency medical services should be called without delay if needed, and public relations activities should be carried out to raise awareness that anyone can use emergency medical services.

Highlights

IntroductionThe mortality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Korea is increasing, with approximately 62 deaths per 100,000 population
83.2% of the participants chose to call-911 as the anticipated coping behavior in response to myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms, which is the appropriate coping behavior
According to the analysis of appropriate anticipated coping behavior by the awareness of each of the major MI symptoms, only 53.6% of those who were aware of the pain in the jaw, neck, or back and only 45.7% of those who were aware of the pain in the arms or shoulders chose calling 911 as the anticipated coping behavior

Summary

Introduction

The mortality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Korea is increasing, with approximately 62 deaths per 100,000 population. When a patient shows MI symptoms, an immediate call to 911 and the appropriate use of the 911 service is believed to be critical in reducing the likelihood of death and improving the prognosis. It was reported, that approximately 44% of patients arrive at the hospital within 2 hours after the onset of MI symptoms [4] and approximately 47.7% within 3 hours, indicating that

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Conclusion