Authors : Muzamil Mehraj
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2026.07.001
Volume : 14
Issue : 3
Year : 2026
Page No : 112-125
Background: Strict adherence to pharmacological regimens is critical for secondary prevention following a myocardial infarction (MI). However, non-adherence remains a significant clinical challenge. Community health nursing serves a pivotal role in bridging the transitional care gap between hospital discharge and long-term home care. Objective: This study evaluates the impact of targeted, community-based nursing interventions on medication adherence and clinical outcomes among post-MI patients. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted over a 12-month period. Post-MI patients were randomized into an intervention group (n=150) and a standard care control group (n=150). The intervention cohort received structured community nursing support, including bi-weekly home visits, tele-health follow-ups, and advanced education on the pharmacokinetics of prescribed antiplatelets, beta-blockers, and statins. Adherence was quantified using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and clinical endpoints included hospital readmission rates. Results: At the 12-month endpoint, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in high medication adherence compared to the control group (84.2% vs. 61.5%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the 30-day and 6-month hospital readmission rates for secondary cardiovascular events were reduced by 28% in the intervention cohort. Conclusion: Proactive and structured community health nursing interventions significantly enhance pharmacological adherence and reduce readmission rates in post-MI demographics. Integrating specialized nursing protocols into community care frameworks is essential for optimizing long-term secondary prevention strategies.