Investigating the level of self-care and supportiv eeducative needs of patients with myocardial infarction, based on Orem’s model

ABSTRACT Myocardial infarction (MI), generally known as a heart attack, is one of the most common factors which through disability and restricted capability threatens human lives. According to Orem theory, individuals, even with MI, have levels of self caring that emerge in their knowledge, attitude and competency. This study aimed to assess the levels of self-caring, educational and supportive needs, as well as, the related factors among MI patients. The randomly selected sample of this study was 100 patients who lived in Khorasan-e Razavi, and had admitted at least once in hospitals due to heart attack. Data on the view of knowledge, attitude and competency were collected, using a questioner based on Orem theory. Then, the whole dataset were analyzed, employing appropriate statistical tests such as t-test and χ2 in SPSS, version 18 P-values ≤0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The study sample ranged 27-97 years old who were 74% male and 26% female. 72% of patients experienced heart attack for the first time. Self caring levels on the view of knowledge, motivation and competency were 58%, 42% and 44%, respectively. There were significant associations between levels of blood sugar and cholesterol, and self caring levels in view of competency (P-values = 0.03) and knowledge (P-values = 0.04). However, other parameters did not show a statistical significant association. Finally, Self-caring levels among patients with MI is not in appropriate and desirable condition. Therefore, it is advisable to develop methodically educational and supportive programmes, based on Orem theory, for MI patients to improve their self-caring levels.