Effectiveness of planned teaching program on knowledge regarding early sign and symptoms of myocardial infarction among hypertensive patients

Introduction: Hypertension is a major public health problem and an established major risk factor for developing myocardial infarction (MI). However, majority of the population with hypertension does not have sufficient knowledge regarding early sign and symptoms of MI as the sign and symptoms appear in a confusing way hence causes delay in seeking treatment. Aim of the Study: Assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program (PTP) on knowledge regarding early sign and symptoms of MI among hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental research approach with nonrandomized control group design was used. Through purposive sampling, sixty patients were selected (thirty in each experimental and control groups). Data were collected with interview method by using self-structured knowledge questionnaire. Pretest was taken, and PTP was administered to experimental group only. After 7 days, posttest was taken from both groups. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In experimental group, mean pretest knowledge score was 13.87 and posttest mean knowledge score was 23.57. In control group, mean pretest knowledge score was 13.97 and posttest mean knowledge score 13.83. As per t-test, difference between mean posttest knowledge score (23.57, 13.83) of both groups was found statistically significant (t = 15.767 ***, P< 0.001). Conclusion: PTP significantly improved the knowledge of patients. This emphasized that providing education to patients at risk for MI can greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it