Changes in Dietary Habits Among Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in both developing and developed countries. Patient education, particularly regarding dietary habits, is a cornerstone of secondary prevention and the reduction of disease-related complications. The study aimed to assess changes in dietary habits and selected clinical outcomes among patients with IHD before and after the implementation of a health education program. A Quantitative (pre-experimental) one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. The study was conducted at the Echo Clinic in Khanaqin General Hospital. A convenience sampling method was used to select the study sample (98 diagnosed IHD patients) according to the inclusion criteria from 13th of October 2024 to 25th of May 2025 using a structured questionnaire. Data collection was conducted through direct face-to-face interviews in 35 minutes duration (5 minutes pretest assessment, and 30 minutes first education session) followed by the next session in the next week, then post-test assessment three weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 27. To address the study objectives, both descriptive and inferential methods were used. A statistically significant improvement was observed following the program (p-value <0.001) in dietary habits and most clinical measures, including blood pressure and lipid profile. A 4-week dietary health education intervention was associated with short-term improvements in patients' dietary behavior; however, long-term studies with randomized controlled trials are recommended to support its impact on clinical outcomes.