Factors influencing attendance at cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients.
OBJECTIVE
The current study examined predictors of, and reasons for, non-attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among coronary heart disease patients.


METHODS
Measures of demographics, surgical procedures, cardiac risk factors, cardiac damage, and psychological variables (depression, trauma, anxiety and alexithymia) were obtained at baseline in 85 coronary heart disease patients, of whom 34 (40%) attended CR. Patients not attending CR reported reasons for their non-attendance.


RESULTS
Men who had a sedentary lifestyle or were obese were significantly more likely to attend CR. Women were significantly more likely to attend CR if they had a partner. Patients reported numerous personal reasons for their non-attendance, some of which reflect a dislike of a group format.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest the presence of obstacles to attendance and completion of CR that may differ for men and women. Innovative approaches are needed to encourage participation, including the development and evaluation of alternative formats of CR.
Farley
Robyn L
RL
School of Psychology, Flinders University, P.O. Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
Wade
Tracey D
TD
Birchmore
Libby
L
D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013021:South Australia; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires