Factors Influencing Medication Literacy in Young and Middle-Aged Patients with NYHA Class I-III Heart Failure After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and understand the factors that influence medication literacy in young and middle-aged patients with NYHA class I-III heart failure following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: From October to December 2024, 21 post-PCI patients with NYHA class I-III heart failure aged 18-65 were included in this study, using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis for coding, categorization, and thematic extraction. RESULTS: Four primary themes encapsulating the barriers to medication literacy emerged: (1) Deficiencies in foundational drug knowledge, stemming from overly simplistic patient education and a clinical focus on instructional process over practical understanding; (2) Insufficient communication channels with healthcare providers and within families; (3) A lack of critical appraisal skills, evident in persistent cognitive biases and an overreliance on unvetted online health information; and (4) Poor medication management literacy, driven by challenges in adapting lifestyles, work and travel schedules, role transitions, and coping with treatment-related negative emotions. CONCLUSION: Enhancing medication literacy in this patient population requires a multifaceted strategy. Healthcare teams should develop more nuanced, interactive education programs, establish robust communication and social support systems, actively address patients' cognitive biases while improving their e-health literacy, and help patients integrate medication management seamlessly into their daily routines.