THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ILLNESS PERCEPTIONS AND HEALTH-PROMOTING BEHAVIORS AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

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Date
2009-06Author
Wagner, Elizabeth
Advisor(s)
Udlis, Kimberly
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Over half of all Americans who suffer a new myocardial infarction (MI) will have a
recurrent MI. Risk for subsequent heart related events could be reduced through the
regular practice of health-promoting behaviors (HPB). One area that may impact
patients? HPBs is their perception of the MI. The purpose of this study was to investigate
the relationship between illness perceptions and HPBs.
Pender?s Health Promotion Model served as the primary theoretical framework
guiding this research. Additionally, concepts from Leventhal?s Common Sense Model of
Illness Representations were integrated.
A convenience sample of 40 participants, who suffered a first-time MI treated
with angioplasty or stent, was examined in this descriptive, correlational study.
Instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception
Questionnaire, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Descriptive statistics and
Pearson?s r were used to describe the sample and evaluate relationships between
illness perceptions and HPBs.
The average age of respondents was 63 years and most were male (65%). A
significant positive correlation between the illness perception of personal control and
overall HPBs, as well as the subscales of nutrition and spiritual behaviors, were
identified. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was demonstrated between level
of concern and the HPB subscales physical activity and nutrition.
These findings elucidate the opportunities for nursing to influence HPBs.
Tailoring patient education strategies to impact illness perceptions, particularly
understanding of the seriousness of MI and promoting a sense of control, may influence
healthy lifestyle choices and improve outcomes in persons with heart disease.
Subject
Heart disease patients rehabilitation
Myocardial infarction
Health promotion
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/46728Description
A Clinical Paper Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner