Influence of Knowledge about Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Symptoms on Self-Management Behaviors in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess stroke risk and Cardio-cerebrovascular symptom knowledge in patients
with atrial fibrillation, and to determine the relationship between knowledge and self-management in these
patients.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 120 patients from an outpatient clinic were recruited from
two medical centers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and data on risk factors and
clinical characteristics were collected from patients’ medical records. The data were analyzed by one-way
analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: The risk of stroke was estimated to be 82.5%. For the assessment of patient cardio-cerebrovascular
symptom knowledge the correct answer rate was as 37%. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that
knowledge about cardio-cerebrovascular disease symptoms was a significant predictor, explaining an
additional 28.3% of the variance of self-management behaviors.
Conclusions: These results suggest the need for education programs that include information about cardiocerebrovascular
disease symptoms and the risks of stroke occurring as a complication, in order to enhance
self-management behaviors in patients with atrial fibrillation.