The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different methods of education programs on the self care behavior of post discharge cardiac patients. The research employed a non-equivalent control group post-test quasi-experimental design. The experimental group included family members and patients in the education program and the control group included only patients. The content of the education was identical to a booklet developed by the researcher. A
Self care behavior, family support, knowledge on self care (patients and family members), and the locus of control on health were measured before and after the treatment.
Sixty-two patients were randomly chosen from two university affiliated medical centers located in Seoul. Thirty-one patients, who were discharged on odd number weeks, were assigned to the experimental group and thirty-one patients, who were discharged on even number weeks, were assigned to the control group. Subjects in both groups were educated during the week of discharge. Four to six weeks after their discharge, a questionnaire was mailed to the subjects in both groups. Data collection was done from September, 1997 to December, 1997. Data analysis was done using the SPSS PC+ program.
The summary of the results are as follows:
1. Family members who participated in the education program showed significantly higher scores in emotional and informational support, and provided more direct help than family
members who did not participate in the education program.
2. The patients who participated in an education program with their family members reported significantly higher self care behavior scores than the patients who participated in an education program without family members.
3. According to the result of the multiple regression, family members´ knowledge of patient care was the only significant variable related to family support behavior. As family members had more knowledge of patient care, they were more likely to support patient´ s self care behavior.
4. According to the result of the multiple regression, family members´ knowledge of patient care and family support were two variables which were significantly related to the patient´s self care behavior. While the patient´s own knowledge of self care was not statistically significant, 1
the family members´ knowledge and their support were significantly and positively related to
the self care behavior of the patient.
Based on these results, it is suggested that patient education of self care should include family members if possible. It is imperative for nurses to develop a structured teaching program which encourages family participation.
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