Background of the Study
Genetic counseling has become an essential component in managing hereditary cardiovascular diseases, particularly those related to genetic predispositions to heart disease, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and long QT syndrome (Aderemi et al., 2023). These conditions often lead to an increased risk of heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, and other serious heart complications. The role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in providing genetic counseling has become critical, as they are the frontline providers in educating patients about the implications of genetic risks and guiding them through preventive measures (Ejembi et al., 2024).
In Nigeria, however, the integration of genetic counseling into cardiac care is still evolving, particularly in secondary and tertiary healthcare settings like Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Nurses in these settings are often in direct contact with patients, and their involvement in genetic counseling can significantly influence the management of patients with genetic risk factors for heart disease (Ogunjimi et al., 2023). Despite the importance of genetic counseling, many cardiac nurses face challenges in adequately performing this role due to limited training, lack of resources, and cultural barriers that may hinder patients from accepting genetic counseling as part of their treatment (Obi et al., 2025).
This study aims to examine the involvement of cardiac nurses in genetic counseling for heart disease at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, focusing on the extent of their participation, training, challenges, and the potential impact on patient care.
Statement of the Problem
Cardiac nurses play an essential role in the early identification and management of patients with a genetic predisposition to heart disease, yet there is limited understanding of their involvement in genetic counseling at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. The study seeks to investigate the extent of cardiac nurses’ involvement in genetic counseling, the challenges they face, and the potential impact on patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of involvement of cardiac nurses in genetic counseling for heart disease at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.
2. To identify the barriers to effective genetic counseling faced by cardiac nurses.
3. To examine the impact of genetic counseling on patient outcomes in the management of heart disease.
Research Questions
1. To what extent are cardiac nurses involved in genetic counseling for heart disease at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi?
2. What challenges do cardiac nurses face in providing genetic counseling for heart disease?
3. How does the involvement of cardiac nurses in genetic counseling influence patient outcomes in heart disease management?
Research Hypotheses
1. Cardiac nurses are involved in genetic counseling to a limited extent at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.
2. The level of training and resources available to cardiac nurses influences their ability to provide effective genetic counseling.
3. Genetic counseling by cardiac nurses improves patient understanding and management of heart disease.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on cardiac nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, and their involvement in genetic counseling. Limitations may include sample size, the availability of data on patient outcomes, and the potential bias in self-reported measures of nurse involvement.
Definitions of Terms
• Genetic Counseling: A process through which patients or families receive information and guidance regarding genetic conditions, including risks and preventive measures.
• Cardiac Nurses: Nurses specializing in the care of patients with heart disease, who may also be involved in genetic counseling.
• Heart Disease: A broad term encompassing various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
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