Assessment of Awareness toward Healthcare and Lifestyle Modifications among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in Cardiac Care Units

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease is a high burden cardiovascular disease and patients need basic awareness on the relevant health behaviours. Adequate awareness in patients improves self-care, enables better use of health care services and encourages effective long-term management of diseases.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness regarding health and lifestyle modifications among patients suffering coronary artery disease (CAD) admitted in a Cardiac Care Unit, and to correlate the awareness level between patient demographics and clinical characteristics.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study in Al Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al Samawa City, Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq from April 1-June 30 2026. A carefully curated sample of 50 adult patients with documented coronary artery disease was collected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the investigator. The questionnaire included two parts; socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and a 10-questions awareness test on a domain of health care and lifestyle modifications. Content validity was assessed by a panel of 15 experts in the fields of research and clinical practice. The test-retest reliability was good (r = 0.83). Data were analyzed with the SPSS version 26 using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statiscally significant.

Results: The study results showed that there was a limited level of awareness in the top patients regarding healthcare and lifestyle changes in heart disease. Aware was analysed in relation to several socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The assessment identified the characteristics associated with patient awareness and highlighted areas for additional patient education and nursing support.

Conclusion: Firstly, evaluating the perception of healthcare and lifestyle changes among patients with coronary artery disease is vital for understanding education needs. Education within the cardiac setting, lifestyle advice, support for self-monitoring and self-care should be further developed as this improves patients understanding of their condition and promotes effective long-term management.

Keywords: Awareness; Coronary Artery Disease; Lifestyle Modifications.