Accepting myocardial infarction diagnosis as an important challenge during the transition process: A qualitative study

Roya Khorrami  Estakhri; Zahra  Taheri-Ezbarami; Hamid  Peyrovi; Ehsan Kazemnezhad Leyli; Adele  Isanazar; Seyed Aboozar  Fakhrmousavi; Fateme  Jafaraghaee

doi:10.18502/npt.v12i4.19651

Roya Khorrami Estakhri Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Zahra Taheri-Ezbarami Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Hamid Peyrovi Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ehsan Kazemnezhad Leyli Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Road Trauma Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Adele Isanazar Kavosh Cognitive Behavior Sciences and Addiction Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Seyed Aboozar Fakhrmousavi Department of Cardiology, Healthy Heart Research Center, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Fateme Jafaraghaee School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/npt.v12i4.19651

Keywords: myocardial infarction; transition; acceptance of disease; qualitative research

Abstract

Background & Aim: Failure to accept the disease can make a person susceptible to negative emotions, maladjustment to the disease, and disruption of the bio-psychosocial balance. This study aimed to investigate factors facilitating and inhibiting acceptance of myocardial infarction in newly diagnosed patients.

Methods & Materials: In this qualitative content analysis study, participants were patients experiencing myocardial infarction for the first time, their caregivers, nurses, and specialist physicians. Data were collected between June 2023 and January 2024 through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with 11 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed the three-step method proposed by Elo and Kyngäs.

Results: Several key themes were identified as influential factors in the acceptance of disease among newly diagnosed myocardial infarction patients. Facilitators of acceptance included social support, adaptation to new roles, perceived susceptibility to the disease, spirituality, and the role of healthcare providers. Conversely, barriers to acceptance encompassed symptom reduction, unexpected diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and lack of awareness. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve patient adjustment and outcomes.

Conclusion: Identifying facilitators and barriers to the acceptance of disease can enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. Understanding these factors allows healthcare providers to tailor interventions that promote positive coping strategies. Ultimately, fostering acceptance can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing complications.