Health behaviours of patients with atrial fibrillation – a preliminary study

Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation, one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, poses a significant threat to the health and life of patients, leading to serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. Health behaviours play a key role in the prevention of atrial fibrillation and reducing the likelihood of serious complications. Comprehensive modification of risk factors, including monitoring blood pressure, limiting alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and eliminating tobacco smoking, is the basis of a healthy lifestyle that can significantly affect the course of the disease. The main aim of the study was to determine the index of health behaviours of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey, and the data collection technique was a questionnaire. The study used the standardised Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). It involved 236 patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalised in the Cardiology Department, who were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their health behaviours.

Results:
The study found that women had a significantly higher mean score for health behaviours (98 points) compared to men (63 points), and urban residents also scored higher (85 points) compared to rural residents (67 points), with statistically significant differences (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between income level and health behaviours (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), which highlights the influence of demographic factors on health behaviours in this patient population.

Conclusions:
The study shows that significant differences in health behaviours of patients with atrial fibrillation are related to gender and place of residence, which highlights the need to adapt health interventions to these factors. Additionally, longer disease duration is correlated with better health habits, which highlights the importance of education and support for patients in long-term health management.