# Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients with coronary artery disease and their families regarding coronary artery bypass grafting, multimodal imaging examinations, and postoperative daily management

## TL;DR

This study examines what patients with heart disease and their families know and do regarding heart surgery and post-surgery care, finding significant knowledge gaps and the need for better education.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and clinical factors influencing knowledge and practices related to CABG and postoperative care among CAD patients and their families.

## Key findings

- CAD patients and families showed significant knowledge deficits and suboptimal practices regarding CABG and postoperative management.
- Higher education, income, and prior hospitalization were associated with better knowledge among patients.
- Educational programs should focus on improving knowledge and addressing the link between attitudes and practices.

## Abstract

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and their families regarding coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), multimodal imaging examinations, and postoperative daily management.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with CAD and their families between January and April 2025, at TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, using a self-designed, validated questionnaire.

A total of 512 (96.24%) valid responses were obtained. Among the participants, 338 (66.0%) were CAD patients and 174 (34.0%) were family members. A total of 322 (62.9%) participants were male, and 205 (40.0%) had undergone coronary stenting prior to the current hospitalization. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.26 ± 5.34 (range: 0–26), 28.89 ± 4.10 (range: 8–40), and 32.49 ± 6.23 (range: 10–50), respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that among patients, higher education, retirement/self-employment, higher income, prior MI hospitalization, and longer CAD duration (>3 years) were associated with better knowledge, which correlated with attitude. Among family members, higher income predicted better knowledge. Better practice was associated with attitude in patients and with attitude, knowledge, female sex, absence of hypertension, and prior MI in family members.

Significant knowledge deficits and suboptimal practices were identified among CAD patients and their families regarding CABG and postoperative management, despite generally positive attitudes. Clinicians and radiologists should prioritize educational programs that address gaps in knowledge and emphasize the interplay between attitudes and practices to enhance postoperative management and long-term outcomes for CAD patients and their families.