Psychosocial well-being over the two years following cardiac rehabilitation initiation & association with heart-health behaviors

Abstract

Objective: To track psychosocial well-being over 2 years following cardiac rehabilitation (CR) initiation, and its' association with heart-health behaviors.

Methods: Patients from 3 CR programs were approached at their first visit, and consenters completed a survey. Participants were emailed surveys again 6 months, 1 and 2 years later. Depressive symptoms (PHQ-8) and quality of life were assessed at each point, as were exercise, nutrition, smoking and medication adherence, among other well-being indicators.

Results: Of 411 participants, 46.7% were retained at 2 years. Post-CR, there was 70% concordance between participants' desired and actual work status. Depressive symptoms were consistently minimal over time (mean = 3.17 ± 0.37); Quality of life was high, and increased over time (p = .01). At 2 years, 56.9% participants met exercise recommendations, and 5.4% smoked. With adjustment, greater self-regulation was associated with significantly greater exercise at intake; greater exercise self-efficacy was significantly associated with greater exercise at 1 year; greater disease management self-efficacy was significantly associated with greater exercise at 2 years; greater environmental mastery (actual) was significantly associated with greater exercise at 2 years. Lower depressive symptoms were significantly associated with better nutrition at 2 years.

Conclusion: CR initiators are thriving, and this relates to better exercise and diet.

Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation; Exercise; Heart disease; Psychology.