Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the severity level of illness and health behavior of coronary heart disease patients after discharge from a secondary hospital in southern Thailand.

Design: Descriptive research design.

Sample and Method: Data were collected from thirty-three hospital patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease prior to their discharge, and by two subsequent home visits in the first and third weeks after the discharge.

Finding: Results from data analysis show that during the three weeks after discharge, most patients displayed inappropriate health behavior with 87.9% of them having sodium intake of > 2 gms /day, and 69.7% being engaged in heavy activity (>6METs)/Isometric. During the post-discharge phase, most patients (69.7%) presented abnormal symptoms including chest pain (60.6%). Moreover, 27.3% of them had to be readmitted due to recurrent ischemia and complication. One patient died.

Conclusion and Implication: The findings point to the need for planning and implementing a program for post-discharge care of coronary heart disease patients. A Health Care team should provide specific advice as well as a rehabilitation program for discharged patients. Also required is a program for continuing care such as home care provision.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004