Factors Affecting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Patients Diagnosed with Myocardial Infarction

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI), represent a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Health-promoting behaviors (HBs) play a crucial role in the management and prevention of MI, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates among affected individuals. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing health-promoting behaviors among patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction and to evaluate the level of engagement in such behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from September 2022 to June 2023. The study population consisted of 318 patients diagnosed with MI (ST and non-STEMI), selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, health behavior data using the Song-and-Lee Health Behaviors Checklist, and analyzed using SPSS version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean score of health-promoting behaviors among participants was 2.14 ± 0.21, indicating a moderate level of engagement. The highest mean score was observed in eating behaviors (2.26 ± 0.34), while the lowest was in health responsibility (2.00 ± 0.40). Gender and smoking status significantly influenced health-promoting behaviors, with females and non-smokers exhibiting better HB scores. Significant differences in HBs were noted across gender, co-morbidity, and history of hospitalization, but not within age, BMI, and smoking groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that myocardial infarction patients exhibit a moderate level of engagement in health-promoting behaviors, with significant variations influenced by gender and smoking status. There is a need for targeted nursing strategies to enhance health-promoting behaviors, particularly focusing on dietary habits, smoking cessation, and health responsibility among MI patients.