African Americans' knowledge of and attitudes toward coronary artery bypass surgery as a treatment option

Prog Cardiovasc Nurs. 2002 Winter;17(1):42-6. doi: 10.1111/j.0889-7204.2002.00927.x.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if African Americans possess knowledge of cardiac bypass surgery as a treatment option, and their willingness to undergo the procedure if it were recommended by a cardiologist. Primary data were collected over a 2-week period. The study setting was a primary care clinic located in an urban area. The clinic is associated with a university medical center that provides high-technology cardiac services. An exploratory, prospective survey and interview technique was utilized to elicit responses from a convenience sample of 50 African American participants. The majority (80%) were knowledgeable about coronary artery bypass surgery and stated a positive preference for the procedure, if it were recommended. The author concluded that although African Americans are knowledgeable about coronary bypass, awareness of these procedures as a treatment option needs to be supported by nurses and physicians.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Black or African American*
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Coronary Artery Bypass*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • United States