Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Adherence to Treatment in Patients With Heart Disease in Iran

Introduction: Adherence to treatment is essential in heart disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional awareness of hypertensive patients and their dietary intake in heart disease. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study that was performed on hypertensive patients referred to Farshchian Cardiovascular Clinic in Iran, using the available random sampling method. Data collection tools included demographic information questionnaire and three questionnaires of nutritional awareness, illness perception, and dietary follow-up of patients with hypertension. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and descriptive statistics. Results: The mean score of knowledge was 4.73±1.55. Fifty-eight percent of patients were unaware of high-fat diet, 56% of them did not eat red meat and 63% of them did not eat sweets. The mean score of perception was 29.58±3.94 of which 38% of the patients were uncontrollable and 43% strongly opposed their illnesses which could lead to premature death and 56% were against dietary restriction. Conclusion: There is a need for interventions to improve the knowledge and attitude of patients with heart disease.