Atrial fibrillation: Community screening events improve awareness in older adults

Pamela J. McCabe, Margaret A. Lloyd, Joyce Balls-Berry, Jaclynn Johnson, Jaimee LaScotte, Hon Chi Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Educating older adults during atrial fibrillation (AF) screening events to recognize signs and symptoms and seek evaluation may promote detection of AF that occurs between screenings. The authors evaluated learning outcomes of AF awareness education provided during AF screening using a single-arm, pre/posttest design. Participants completed the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs about Atrial Fibrillation Self-Monitoring and Treatment-Seeking (KABAF-SMTS) survey, participated in AF awareness education, and completed a KABAF-SMTS survey 2 weeks after education. Paired t tests revealed that knowledge of AF symptoms increased (p = 0.007). Scores for recognizing the seriousness of AF (p = 0.003), benefits of self-monitoring (p < 0.001), perception of barriers to self-monitoring (p = 0.002), and confidence (p < 0.001) to recognize AF and seek treatment improved. AF awareness education strengthened knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that may be conducive to recognition and treatment-seeking for AF.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-38
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing
Volume45
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2019

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