Comparison of effect of Nursing Education and Peer Education Methods on Self-Efficacy in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives: Following a doctor’s orders in regards to diet and activity is very important for patients with myocardial infarction. Self-efficacy is an important tool for active participation in treatment and change in behavior. Thus, this study aims to compare the effects of nursing education and peer education on cardiac self-efficacy in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The present study is a randomized clinical trial (RCT) performed on 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of control (nurse education) and interaction (peer education). The cardiac self-efficacy rate in the two groups was investigated by filling out the cardiac self-efficacy questionnaire after the intervention (3 days after a heart attack) as well as 5 days and 4 weeks after the heart attack. Data was analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and RM-ANOVA. Results: A significant difference was found in self-efficacy between the nursing routine education and peer education after the intervention (P ≤ 0.004). The results of this study showed that patients who have received peer education had higher self-efficacy compared to patients who received nursing education. Conclusions: Considering the shortage of nurses in hospitals, it is recommended that it is better to use this training method instead of the training of nurses.