To explore the driving factors of health promotion behavior in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after discharge, and to provide a basis for improving the health behavior of patients.

This research adopted the method of phenomenological research in qualitative research. From November 2019 to January 2020, purpose sampling was used to select 12 elderly patients with AMI who underwent PCI after follow-up visits in the AMI Outpatient Clinic of a Class Ⅲ Grade A hospital in Guangzhou as the research objects. Semi-structured interview was used to conduct in-depth interviews with patients. The data was analyzed using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.

A total of two themes were refined: (1) endogenous driving forces, including four sub-themes of positive self-perception of aging, family responsibility perception, expectations for future social development, and health-related sense of control; (2) exogenous driving force, including three sub-themes of social support system, natural and social medical environment, and long-term medical economic costs.

The driving forces for health promotion behaviors in elderly patients undergoing AMI after PCI are complex and diverse. Medical and nursing staff should mobilize the endogenous and exogenous driving forces of the patients according to the individual characteristics of elderly patients, urge them to adopt health promotion behaviors and develop a good healthy lifestyle.

Health promotion; Acute myocardial infarction; Behavior; Driving force; Qualitative research