Purpose: This study is to provide effective care to each individual with myocardial ischemia by finding out how the patient’s knowledge related to the disease and anxiety level affect his/her compliance of patient role behavior.
Methods: The subjects of study were 100 patients diagnosed as ischemic heart disease at a university hospital located in Gyeonggi Province. The data were collected from May 19, 2008 to August 30, 2008. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was done using a structured questionnaires.
Results: The average score of knowledge level about myocardial ischemia was (out of 31), anxiety level was (out of 80), and compliance of patient role behavior was (out of 50). A significant correlation between the patient’s level of knowledge and his/her compliance of patient role behavior was found(r=0.239 p=0.017). The patients who are females, singles, without occupation, have a long term being diagnosed, under-educated, tend to be excellent in their compliance.
Conclusion: The patient with a higher level of knowledge is better in his/her compliance of patient role behavior. Therefore, it is suggested that we need to develop nursing intervention to increase knowledge level as well as consistent educational support.