Background of the Study
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, including in Nigeria. Post-myocardial infarction patients are at high risk of experiencing recurrent heart attacks due to the ongoing presence of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, coupled with lifestyle habits like smoking and physical inactivity (Omotosho et al., 2023). Preventing recurrent heart attacks in these patients is critical for improving long-term outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing quality of life. Nurses play a key role in the prevention of recurrent heart attacks through patient education, lifestyle modifications, monitoring of medication adherence, and supporting adherence to secondary prevention measures, such as anticoagulation therapy and the management of comorbidities (Idris et al., 2023).
In Abia State, like many other regions of Nigeria, healthcare services face challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare, and a high burden of chronic cardiovascular diseases (Okafor et al., 2024). Nurses, being primary caregivers in managing post-MI patients, are often the first point of contact for patients. Their knowledge and implementation of preventative strategies are essential in reducing the likelihood of recurrent heart attacks. However, the extent to which nurses are involved in secondary prevention and their effectiveness in delivering such care remains under-researched in the region. This study will examine the role of nurses in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-myocardial infarction patients in Abia State, focusing on the strategies they implement and the challenges they face.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role that nurses play in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-myocardial infarction patients, there is limited research on the specific practices and interventions used by nurses in Abia State. Moreover, the effectiveness of these interventions and the challenges faced by nurses in implementing secondary prevention measures are not well understood. This study seeks to fill these gaps by investigating how nurses in Abia State contribute to preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients and exploring the factors that hinder or facilitate their efforts.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of nurses in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-myocardial infarction patients in Abia State.
2. To identify the strategies and interventions implemented by nurses in preventing recurrent heart attacks.
3. To evaluate the challenges faced by nurses in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients in Abia State.
Research Questions
1. What role do nurses play in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-myocardial infarction patients in Abia State?
2. What strategies and interventions do nurses implement to prevent recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients?
3. What challenges do nurses face in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients in Abia State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Abia State play a significant role in preventing recurrent heart attacks in post-myocardial infarction patients.
2. The implementation of secondary prevention strategies by nurses reduces the likelihood of recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients.
3. Nurses in Abia State face significant challenges in implementing effective secondary prevention measures for recurrent heart attacks in post-MI patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in cardiac care units and outpatient clinics in Abia State, specifically in post-myocardial infarction care. It will explore the interventions used by nurses, their effectiveness, and the challenges encountered in implementing preventive measures. The study will be limited by the availability of resources, the self-reporting nature of some data, and the potential variation in practices across different healthcare facilities.
Definitions of Terms
1. Recurrent Heart Attack: A second or subsequent heart attack occurring after an initial myocardial infarction, often due to the failure to address underlying risk factors.
2. Post-Myocardial Infarction Care: Medical care provided to individuals who have survived a heart attack, aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence and improving long-term health outcomes.
3. Secondary Prevention: Measures taken to prevent the recurrence of a disease in individuals who have already experienced the disease, such as controlling risk factors, medication adherence, and lifestyle modification.
Background of the Study
Workplace safety is a crucial aspect of occupational health, and safety signage plays a vital role in hazard prev...
Background of the Study
Marine ecosystems are vital to the livelihoods of fishing communities, particularly in coastal r...
Background of the Study
Fraud risk assessment is an essential part of ensuring the security and trustworthiness of digit...
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Open spaces, such as public parks, natural areas, and golf courses, offer a variety of benefits...
Abstract: This research addresses mental health issues among vocational students in Nigeria...
Background of the Study
Women’s participation in agriculture is a critical factor in rural economic...
Background of the Study :
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity is reflected in the phonetic details of rural and urban spee...
Background of the Study
Environmental taxes are gaining recognition as an effective tool for addressing environmental degra...
Background of the Study
Social media has revolutionized political activism globally, providing individuals with a platform...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Market expansion, defined as the process o...