WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Mustafa Ali Shareef and Mohammed Hadi Alosami

ABSTRACT

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation plays a vital role in the recovery process following a myocardial infarction(MI). It includes exercise training, risk factor management, nutritional guidance, and psychological support.Adequate patient education and adherence to rehabilitation protocols are crucial for reducing recurrence andimproving quality of life. However, studies have shown that patient knowledge is often limited, highlighting theimportance of structured education programs. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Iraqi patientswith myocardial infarction regarding cardiac rehabilitation and their awareness of changes in health-relatedquality of life following the event. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted atBaghdad Teaching Hospital from September 2023 to March 2024. A total of 100 MI patients admitted to theCardiac Care Unit were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. A structured questionnaire collected dataon socio-demographics, medical history, and physical activity levels before MI. Critically ill patients and thoseunable to provide consent were excluded. Results: Of the 100 participants, 75% were male, and 69% were aged60 years or older. Only 48% knew how to manage hypertension (P=0.001), and knowledge about diet (P=0.033),stress management (P=0.0001), and exercise routines (P=0.0001) significantly influenced overall rehabilitationunderstanding. Despite these findings, 91% of patients demonstrated poor knowledge regarding cardiacrehabilitation. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant knowledge gap among MI patients concerningcardiac rehabilitation. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve patient awareness andengagement in rehabilitation practices, particularly in older male populations.