<b>Perception of individuals with myocardial infarction on the symptoms and the decision to seek care</b> doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i4.17591

Abstract

The study had the purpose to describe the interpretation of immediate symptoms and actions of the patient facing AMI, estimate the period of time elapsed between the beginning of the symptoms and the decision time for looking for a heath service (ET) and analyze the influenced interpretation of the symptoms and immediate actions in relation to the DT. One hundred individuals were interviewed and the information was analyzed through descriptive statistical means, Mann Whitney test and content analysis technique.  Results:  The average age was of 58.6 years (standard deviation=11.486).  Predominance of males, black, married, with labor activities, low income and low schooling.  Most of the interviewed parties did not recognize the symptoms (63%), made effort to improve the symptoms (86%), used a car as a means of transport (69%) and looked for a hospital (57%). The median and 3rd quartile for ET was 20 and 180 min. Those who interpreted the symptoms as non-cardiac compared to those who judged them as cardiac presented higher ET. Those who self-medicated compared to those who did not present a higher ET. The mistaken interpretation of the symptoms and inappropriate actions from the part of the clients show the need of a nursing care directed towards health education with the purpose of early treatment.