The relationship between CABG patient characteristics and perceived learning needs: a secondary analysis.

BACKGROUND Patients' learning needs are influenced by socio-cultural characteristics such as level of formal education, sex, and age. Limited research has examined this influence. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to describe the number and type of learning needs identified among first-time CABG patients, and 2) to examine the relationships between learning needs and socio-cultural characteristics (education, sex, and age). DESIGN This study was a sub-study of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) that evaluated the most appropriate time for delivering education to patients who had CABG surgery. SAMPLE Individuals having CABG with one to four grafts for the first time and who were literate and cognitively oriented to person, place, and time were included in this study. ANALYSIS Descriptive and correlation statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS A significant difference between learning needs and sex (p = 0.00) was noted, while a significant relationship between learning needs and age (p = 0.03) was identified. CONCLUSION This study represents a first step towards identifying the association between perceived learning needs and socio-cultural characteristics.