QUALITY OF LIFE AND SELF-EFFICACY

Abstract

Gender and diagnoses differences for quality of life (QOL) and self-efficacy (SE) were assessed for male (n = 358; age = 62.5 +/− 10.3 yrs) and female (n = 114; age = 65.8 +/− 10.5 yrs) patients at the beginning and end of 12 weeks of exercise and education (cardiac rehabilitation). Diagnoses were post-myocardial infarction (MI; n = 174; age = 63.0 +/− 11.2 yrs), coronary bypass revascularization surgery (CABS; n = 258; age = 63.9 +/− 10.1 yrs) and trans-catheter procedures (PTCA; n = 44; age = 61.6 +/− 9.4 yrs). QOL overall scores, as well as the emotional and limitations domain, improved from program beginning to end (p < 0.001). Gender differences only existed for the emotional domain being greater in males (p < 0.031), primarily at program beginning. Regarding diagnosis, the limitation domain of QOL for CABS, although lower at program beginning (p < 0.001), improved to similar levels as the other group by program completion. Although SE improved from program beginning to completion for all groups (p < 0.001), males had greater SE scores (p < 0.001). The PTCA group had the greatest SE scores (p < 0.001) while CABS scores were the lowest at program beginning but improved to similar values as the other groups by program completion. Across domains, consistent independent predictors for QOL (p < 0.05) included age, grip strength, and caloric expenditure during the exercise sessions. Significant predictors for SE were the same with the addition of weight for the muscular domain. Implications: Those with greater SE scores tend to be more inclined to embark on physical tasks; therefore, efforts for the enhancement of physical function must target those with reduced functional capacities (i.e., elderly, females, and CABS patients) for the enhancement of confidence and a willingness to attempt new tasks.