Background: Persisting delay in seeking treatment among Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients was reported in\nMalaysia despite intensified efforts in educating the public on symptoms of AMI and the importance of seeking prompt\ntreatment. Studies outside Malaysia have shown that patients� personal thoughts during symptom onset could contribute\nto the delay. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers of AMI patients prior to the decision of seeking treatment\nin Malaysia.\nMethods: A qualitative descriptive research approach was chosen. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted\namong 18 patients with AMI. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Recordings were transcribed and\ncoded, codes were subsequently organized into categories. The stages of coding and identifying categories were\nrepeated before themes were identified.\nResults: Three meaningful themes with nine sub-themes that may have influenced the delayed decision to seek\ntreatment were identified. Some themes identified were culturally bound.\nConclusions: The findings of this study give insights on barriers prior to the decision of seeking treatment when\npatients were experiencing AMI. Findings indicates that interventions targeted at increasing knowledge about AMI\nsymptoms and correct actions using an informative approach at the current practice may not be adequate to reduce\npatient delay. The findings of this study could provide basis for the development of interventions that are culturally\nrelevant to the Malaysians setting to promote behavioural change in the population and reduce pre-hospital delay.
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