The effects of a concerning older adult abilities health education program to promote appropriate decision among acute myocardial infarction patients

Older adults have the highest incidence of delayed treatment, complications, and deaths compared to other age groups. Nevertheless, knowledge and understanding about acute myocardial infarction, especially symptoms and perception of calling for 1669 (emergency services), are needed to inform care-seeking decisions during an acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a health education program among patients with acute myocardial infarction. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was applied, and one hundred twenty-two hospitalized older patients with acute myocardial infarction were included between June 2022 and February 2023. The intervention group received a health education program and a handbook; the control group received routine care. The study outcomes were measured before and after receiving the intervention. Finally, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and adjusted analysis compared the outcomes. The 115 remaining for data analysis comprised 57 in the control and 58 in the intervention groups. We found that knowledge, perceived susceptibility, benefits of calling 1669, barriers, self-efficacy, cues to action, the possibility of calling 1669, and the first of action when having an acute myocardial infarction were improved. However, two patients in the control group (1455 min to make a decision), while only one in the intervention group (240 min), were readmitted. In conclusion, a health education program improves self-reported knowledge, belief, and decision-making. However, future research should investigate readmission rates and response times further. Finally, educational programs should be tailored to accommodate older adults' specific needs and limitations on clinical practice and research.Clinical Trial Registration Number: TCTR20220602001 on 02/06/2022.