Managing health habits for myocardial infarction (MI) patients

The study examined effects of the heart camp as a motivation enhancement pr ogram on cardiac risk reduction and behavioral modification in myocardial i nfarction (MI) patients. A total of 86 outpatients participated at the firs t heart camp and 45 returned to the second one in 8 weeks. The first and se cond heart camps were daylong programs consisted of health assessment, educ ation classes, and Q&A session with interdisciplinary team approach. At the completion of the heart camp, the participants showed significantly lower scores in cardiac risk factors, and significant improvements in motivationa l variables, especially, perceived benefits and perceived barriers as well as in the performance of diet and exercise behaviors. The study results con firm that it is possible to enhance motivation for chronic patients like MI patients by even short period of comprehensive educational program. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.