A description of the role of self-efficacy, goal setting behaviors, health related quality of life, psychosocial factors, and health care utilization in post-inpatient rehabilitation cardiac patients

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is currently the number one cause of death for both men and women in America. Research has shown that CVD risks can be significantly reduced by changing lifestyle behaviors such as high cholesterol diet, sedentary living, and cigarette smoking. Consequently, a great deal of the literature surrounding cardiac health and reduction of risk factors focuses on health behavior change. Based on the literature, patient health characteristics, goal setting behaviors, self-efficacy, psychological factors, health-related quality of life, and health-care utilization are all important components to be considered in the treatment and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. The purpose of this study is to assess these variables, with emphasis on the relationship of these variables to goal setting behaviors and self-efficacy after receiving cardiac rehabilitation in an inpatient setting. Participants (N=143) completed measures that assessed these variables at Discharge, 30-, 90- and 180-day follow-ups. Goal Setting behaviors were observed and it was noted that Regaining Previous Level of Functioning was a category that was consistently present across all follow-up time points. Age, Health Rating, Functional Independence Measure Score, Perceived Stress and Sum Total of Psychological Symptoms were all significantly linked to levels of Self-Efficacy regarding Goal Attainment. Results from this study indicate that patients' health status, psychosocial factors and health-related quality of life should be considered when assessing self-efficacy and patient goal-setting.