ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH BEHAVIOURS OF PATIENTS AFTER IMPLANTATION OF CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR

Introduction
The objective of the study was to assess health behaviours in a group of cardiac patients after implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator and to assess the correlation between health behaviours and selected sociodemographic and clinical variables. Health behaviours are an essential element of daily activities in every human’s life; if they are positive, they may improve health. A growing significance of health behaviours such as proper eating habits, preventive measures, health practices and a positive mental attitude can be observed in cardiac patients.

Material and methods
The study was carried out in a group of 176 patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillator. The average age of respondents was 62.36 (SD=15.41). The study group consisted mainly of men (78.41%). The study was carried out with the application of a self-designed questionnaire and Health Behaviour Inventory according to Juczyński.ResultsThe vast majority of respondents (71.02%) were characterized by a high level of health behaviours. The highest intensity of health behaviours was observed in the case of health practices (average score 4.09; SD=0.63). The lowest score was obtained in the sphere of proper eating habits (average score 3.62; SD=0.77). Variables: age, gender, marital status, education, professional activity, living with family, support or ischaemic heart disease had a significant impact on particular categories of health behaviours

Conclusions
The vast majority of respondents reported a high level of health behaviours. The aspect which was scored the highest by patients was health practices, contrary to proper eating habits. There was a significant correlation between health behaviours and selected variables.