Publication:

Effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the prevention of peripheral artery disease among elderly at selected hospital, Puducherry

Background Population aging is a major issue globally, with India defining a senior citizen as anyone aged 60 and above. Aging leads to progressive physiological decline, increasing the risk of conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a chronic condition caused by arterial blockage in the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis. The aim of the study to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the prevention peripheral artery disease among elderly at selected hospital, Puducherry.

Methods The study employed a quantitative research approach. The study was conducted at a government general hospital in Puducherry, with a sample of 60 elderly individuals aged 60 and above who met the inclusion criteria and were available during the data collection period. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to select participants. The sample selection criteria included those who could read and understand Tamil, while exclusion criteria consisted of patients with recent surgeries or with serious medical conditions.

Results The study found that most elderly participants had inadequate knowledge of PAD prevention in the pre-test (68.3%). After the structured teaching program, 60% had moderately adequate knowledge, and 38.3% had adequate knowledge in the post-test. The mean pre-test score (6.67) improved significantly to the post-test score (12.73), with a p-value of 0.000, confirming the program's effectiveness.

Conclusions The present study concluded that the elder patients in selected government Hospital in Puducherry had a adequate level of knowledge after the structured teaching program.