Participants' Perspectives of a Primary Exercise-Based Prevention Program for Cardiac Patients: A Prepost Intervention Qualitative Case Study.

Mélissa Lesage-Moussavou-Nzamba,Julie Houle,François Trudeau

doi:10.1155/2020/6215428

Abstract

Perseverance in exercise-based, cardiovascular disease prevention programs is generally very low. The purpose of this case study is to understand the experience of participants enrolled in a 6-month primary and secondary exercise-focused, cardiovascular disease prevention out of hospital program. Ten participants were interviewed about their experiences at entry and after it ended 6 months later to understand the facilitators and difficulties encountered by participants in such exercise programs. Four out of ten participants completed the 6-month program. The six participants who left the program accepted to contribute to the postprogram interview. The results showed that the four participants who persevered in the program became aware of cardiac risk factors and their conditions were willing to make changes in their lifestyles to reach their objectives, felt a strong perception of self-efficacy, and felt like they belonged in the program. Both persevering and nonpersevering participants experienced many episodes of discouragement during the program and faced many barriers that interfered with their progress. Suggestions to help coping with these barriers while reinforcing self-efficacy and the sentiment of belonging are discussed.

Highlights

Introduction and Statement of PurposeCardiovascular diseases are significantly prevalent worldwide and are one of the two major causes of mortality [1]
The results showed that the four participants who persevered in the program became aware of cardiac risk factors and their conditions were willing to make changes in their lifestyles to reach their objectives, felt a strong perception of self-efficacy, and felt like they belonged in the program
The efficacy and cost-benefit ratio of exercise programs for primary and secondary prevention in people with heart diseases or those with risk factors for the development of these diseases are well documented in the literature and show that cardiac rehabilitation is costeffective [6, 7, 8]

Summary

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are significantly prevalent worldwide and are one of the two major causes of mortality [1]. Participation in exercise-based, cardiac-rehabilitation programs and the adoption of healthy life habits are known to significantly diminish the negative consequences of cardiovascular disease [5]. Regular physical activity provides many health benefits to these patients such as reduced hospital readmission [9], ability to perform activities of daily living, quality of life, risk factor profile, and exercise capacity [6]. Few patients are referred to them and, once admitted, fewer still persist with them [10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion