Factors Predicting Physical Activity after Hospitalization among New Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but some studies showed that many patients do not enhance their PA after hospital discharge. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate PA and to identify the predictive factors of PA among new coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Participants were recruited from 10 tertiary hospitals, selected by proportional randomized sampling of all regions of Thailand. Data were collected by using self-reported questionnaires, i.e. demographic, symptom frequency and symptom distress scale (SFSDS), subjective PA experiences scale (SPAES), family and friend support for PA scale (FFSPAS), self-efficacy for PA scale (SEPAS), and international PA long form (IPAQ_L form). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e. range, median, interquartile range (IQR), and the LISREL with robust maximum likelihood estimation. The results revealed that among 160 participants recruited. Most of them were males (63.75%), aged between 50-69 years (63.75%), and lived with their family (94.37%). Work domain was the highest PA intensity (median = 1,813, IQR = 5,202 MET-min/wk.).  Seventy-three percent and 30.00% performed moderate and vigorous activity intensity with a median of 1,920 (IQR = 3,385), and 900 (IQR = 2,880) MET-min/wk., respectively. Five of eight variables – age (r = -.21; P<.01), self-efficacy (r = .33; p<.01), gender (r = .18; p<.05), education (r = -.18; p<.05), and symptom distress (r = -.16; p<.05) – had a significant correlation to PA, while comorbidity, subjective experiences, and support from family and friend did not (r = .04, -.15, and -.08, respectively). In addition, the numbers of participants engaging in PA before and after hospitalization were similar (55.63% VS. 56.25%). PA enhancing programs like walking activities can be suggested.