Knowledge Level of Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Aim: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and related factors of patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Between January and March 2021, the sample consisted of 256 patients admitted to the cardiology clinic of a training and research hospital for coronary angiography. Data were obtained using the "Patient Information Form" and the "Coronary Angiography Patient Information Form."
Results: Of the patients in the sample, 51.2% were aged 45-59 years. Among those who applied for coronary angiography, 40.6% had a history of previous coronary angiography. A total of 27.3% of the cases reported having stents in their heart vessels. The majority of the sample (97.7%) was informed by physicians, while the rate of information provided by nurses was 36.4%. The mean total knowledge score of the patients about coronary angiography was 0.65 ± 0.13. There were significant differences in the mean total knowledge scores according to age group, educational level, presence of chronic disease, receiving education about coronary angiography, and the need for information about the angiography procedure (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Patients' level of knowledge about coronary angiography is slightly above average and needs to be improved and developed. Moreover, nurses should be more active in patient education and increase their awareness in this field.