Cardiac Self-efficacy and Perception among CAD Patients

Abstract

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality, in developed countries. The economic development, conquering of infectious diseases as well as an increasing westernization of lifestyle, in the past three decades have increased the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among these countries. As self-efficacy is considered as a major concept which can affect CAD patients’ behaviors in the adherence to medication schedule, healthy diet, physical activities, it has to be studied and modified, so that there will be positive effects on patient’ quality of life. This study aimed at assessing the cardiac self-efficacy and perceived social support among patients with CAD. The researchers intended to examine the correlation between cardiac self-efficacy and perceived social support, as well as the association between cardiac self-efficacy and selected demographic variables of patients with CAD. Forty patients diagnosed with CAD, were recruited from cardiology OPDs of a tertiary care hospital, in Kannur, North Kerala. Patients have already diagnosed with CAD. The modified cardiac self-efficacy scale was used to assess the self-efficacy of patients with CAD. A positive correlation between cardiac self-efficacy and perceived social support was found among patients with CAD significant at 0.01 level (2-tailed). Health awareness about the importance of treatment adherence will be improved, which will indirectly foster the self-efficacy and overall health outcomes among CAD patients.