A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Intervention on Knowledge and Expressed Practice Regarding Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease Among Diabetic Patients in Selected Hospitals of District Mandi, H.P. (2024-2025)

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a major non-communicable disease of global concern, significantly impacting both individual health and national healthcare systems. Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. Despite being at higher risk, many diabetic individuals have limited awareness and poor preventive practices regarding coronary artery disease. Nurse-led interventions have shown promise in enhancing disease-related knowledge and promoting healthy behavioural practices. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a structured nurse-led intervention on knowledge and expressed practice regarding the prevention of coronary artery disease among diabetic patients. Methodology: A quasi-experimental research design with a non-randomized pre-test post-test control group approach was adopted. A total of 76 diabetic patients were selected from selected hospitals in Mandi using non-probability convenience sampling and divided equally into experimental (n=38) and control (n=38) groups. Data were collected using structured knowledge and practice questionnaires (reliability scores: r = 0.92 for knowledge, r = 0.86 for practice). The experimental group received a structured nurse-led teaching program on coronary artery disease prevention, while the control group received routine care. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: Result indicate that the mean difference in knowledge scores between pre-test and post-test was 8.18, with a t-value of 15.583 (p < 0.001), indicating a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and a similar trend was observed in practice scores (p < 0.01). Karl Pearson Correlation value of pre-test knowledge and pre-test practice in experimental group was (r=0.211) indicating the correlation between the two variables. There was a significant association of post-test knowledge score with educational status in experimental group showing chi square=17.718 with p value= 0.001. The result concluded that intervention effectively improved awareness and promoted better health practices in the experimental group. Conclusion: The structured nurse-led intervention was effective in improving knowledge and self-reported preventive practices related to coronary artery disease among diabetic patients. These findings highlight the importance of integrating nurse-led health education into routine diabetes care to mitigate coronary artery disease risk.