Health promotion for transient ischemic attack patients through modvying their lifestyle behaviors

ABSTRACT

A Transient Ischemic Attack [TIA] is a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction. It may serve as a warning of impending stroke. Persons at risk must be identified and assisted in managing the underlying condition that predispose them to attacks. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and lifestyle of Transient Ischemic Attack patients regarding their disease, risk factors and mode of prevention of complications and to identify the impact of a health promotion program on their lifestyle. The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Health Insurance Hospital in Alexandria. The sample included forty patients suffered one TIA. Assessing the patient's knowledge and lifestyle was done through individual interview using an assessment sheet. An intervention program was developed based on the results of the previous assessment and on reviewing the relevant literature. The program was implemented in 10 weeks interval. After six months following the program, patients' knowledge and lifestyle behaviors were reassessed to evaluate its impact. Chi-square test and t-test were used to compare between before 6 after program implementation. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in the patients' knowledge and lifestyle after the program in all items