Abstract:
Objective of this descriptive cross sectional study was assess patients' knowledge, attitudes,
sources of infonnation and practices with regard to secondary prevention of acute
myocardial infarction. The sample consisted of 414 patients who have suffered a single
attack of acute myocardial infarction during the period between 01/01/2000 to 01/0412004.
Data were collected with an interviewer administered structured questionnaire which
included questions on patients' knowledge, attitudes, sources of infonnation and practices.
Patients' knowledge on secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction was found to be
unsatisfactory, When comparing patients' total knowledge scores with certain socio
demographic characteristics, a statistically significant higher knowledge was found among
patients aged less than 60 years, non Buddhists. professionals and those engaged in business
and among patients with an education level of G.C.E ordinary level or higher. Patients'
attitudes were also found to be unsatisfactory. A statistically significant more favourable
attitudes score were observed among males, patients aged less than 60 years, Buddhists,
patients with an educational level of G.C.E ordinary level or higher, professionals and those
engaged in business, those obtaining a total monthly family income of Rs . 10000/= or more
and among patients with a time lapse of less than one year after the first attack. In contrast,
patients' knowledge status was not found to be statistically significant with their attitude
scores. The highest source of information on knowledge was doctors (more than 90
percentage). With regard to the practices, only 79.7 percent of patients engaged in regular
exercise while 22 percent of patients continued to smoke and 20.5 percent of them
continued to consume alcohol. Regular clinic attendance was observed in only 70.3 percent
of patients and regular drug intake in 81.4 percent of them. Overall knowledge, attitudes and
practices with regard to secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction were found to
be unsatisfactory. More awareness and changes in behaviours of patients should be made
through the cardiac rehabilitation centers, hospital staff, public health staff and mass media.
