Patient education in cardiovascular disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: the “Heart School” pilot project at IPMS/Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal

OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient education (PE) pilot project named "theHeart School" at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all patients referred to a PE program. PE was delivered in weekly one-onone sessions. Progression was assessed through self-evaluation scales with scores ranging from 0 to 10, administered before and after the program. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 18 with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: 45 patients benefited from this educational program. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was the primary indication in 87% of cases. At the end of the program, there was a significant improvement in knowledge of the disease (4.5 vs. 7.4; p < 0.001) and its treatment (4.7 vs. 6.8; p < 0.001), as well as good practices of physical activity (4.5 vs. 7; p < 0.001), cardioprotective diet (4.2 vs. 7; p < 0.001) and motivation to change lifestyle (5.6 vs. 7.8; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Results from this pilot project were promising. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to better assess the sustainability of these results.