Health-Seeking Behavior of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Their Family Caregivers

Abstract

IntroductionAcute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition. Immediate and proper treatment will decrease mortality rate. Patient awareness on ACS is still lacking and as the consequence, ACS patients do not seek immediate help.ProblemThe patients’ efforts to get rid of ACS symptoms.MethodsThe study was a descriptive, qualitative study in which a semi-structured, in-depth interview became the instrument. The respondents were 34 participants (including 17 ACS patients and 17 family caregivers). Data analysis was done by triangulation of data sources.ResultsThree themes were obtained, namely: (1) prefer traditional and self-treatment, for example (a) traditional medicine, (b) taking non-prescription drugs to overcome ACS symptoms, and (c) spontaneous action; (2) using available health resources and facilities that consisted of (a) getting initial treatment at home by nurses, (b) visiting a health center to take care of the symptoms, and (c) using non-ambulance service to visit the health centers; and (3) expectations on health care services to patients composed by sub-themes such as (a) the expectation to get information that supports the healing, and (b) the caring attitude of the heath professional.Conclusions:The results showed that in the prehospital setting when experiencing ACS symptoms, the patients try to overcome the symptoms independently. However, as the symptoms get worse, they utilize health facilities in different ways. At the time of obtaining health services, patients are satisfied with health professionals who show caring attitudes, explain the results of the examination, and provide health education on health care efforts. Thus, to prevent mortality and morbidity, it is important for a health professional to educate the public about ACS, including topics about ACS healthy lifestyles and potential threats if it is too late to get treatment. Furthermore, it is also important for the government to implement prehospital emergency services nation-wide.KumboyonoK, RefialdinataJ, WihastutiTA, RachmawatiSD, AzizAN. Health-seeking behavior of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and their family caregivers. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):614–620.

Emergency services utilization in Jakarta (Indonesia): a cross-sectional study of patients attending hospital emergency departments

“…For the first question, we found that patients travelled to the hospital by various modes of transport and in many cases these modes were not suitable for their conditions. The majority of patients with trauma or respiratory problems used motorcycles or their own cars, and a large number of patients with cardiovascular diseases did not use an ambulance (as would be recommended) [24]. We found only 10% of patients with trauma travelled with an ambulance, which confirms previous findings, that in Pan Asian countries, less than 20% of trauma patients use ambulances [25].…”

“…In the specific context of Indonesia, patients with a life-threatening condition such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often seek treatment at home first and only consult a hospital when their conditions deteriorate [24]. Delay in contacting the hospital often leads to delays in receiving treatment from a healthcare professional.…”

Association of Symptoms and Mode of Transportation to Emergency Department in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

“…Another plausible explanation for why this symptom cluster is associated with EMS use is that these particular symptoms limit transportation options, suggesting a pragmatic aspect of decision-making related to mode of transportation to the hospital 23,28 . This explanation is supported by qualitative findings from Indonesia where patients were more likely to use EMS if certain ACS symptoms prevented them physically from driving themselves or riding in another person's private vehicle, especially if they were unable to sit up 37 . It is also plausible that experiencing signs (vomiting) and symptoms (sweating and shortness of breath) that are visible to others may draw bystanders into the experience, potentially influencing care-seeking decisions related to transportation mode.…”

“…23,28 This explanation is supported by qualitative findings from Indonesia where patients were more likely to use EMS if certain ACS symptoms prevented them physically from driving themselves or riding in another person's private vehicle, especially if they were unable to sit up. 37 It is also plausible that experiencing signs (vomiting) and symptoms (sweating and shortness of breath) that are visible to others may draw bystanders into the experience, potentially influencing care-seeking decisions related Median regression additionally adjusting for patient sex, age group, intervention arm, and study site. One person was excluded who was not member of any symptoms cluster.…”

Factors associated with health care seeking behaviour: A cross-sectional study at an emergency department in a teaching hospital

“…Many patients with hypertension seek emergency care late or when they have developed complications like stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and kidney failure (8). Acute coronary syndrome is a life-threatening illness needing urgent emergency care; however, previous studies show a 15-minute to 10-day delay in seeking professional care leading to an increase in mortality (9).…”