Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to examine the food intake and family support of patients with Coronary Artery Disease(CAD).
METHODS
90 hospitalized patients who received CAD medical treatment were randomly selected. The food intake frequency and family support instrument were utilized. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS/WIN 14.0: t-test, Chi-square-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
RESULTS
The mean score of food intake frequency was 5.65(total mean score 97.50) which was relatively healthy food intake based on the CAD treatment guidelines. Undesirable food intake items were fruit, fish, milk etc. The mean score of family support was 2.44(range: 1 - 4). Food intake showed a significant(p < .001) positive correlation with family support. There was significant difference(p < .05) on family support according to exercise. There was significant difference(p < .05) on LDL level, one of the CAD risk factors, between first admission patients and readmission patients.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that nursing intervention education programs should be developed to appropriately care for CHD patients for needed changes.

• Keywords: Food intake; Family support; Coronary artery disease