Physical activity readiness in patient withdrawals from cardiac rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND
Adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes may be an important element for improving and maintaining physical activity (PA) behaviour in secondary prevention. Little is known about the PA behaviour in patients who have withdrawn from CR programmes. Therefore, a study was carried out to identify the reasons for withdrawal and the stage of PA readiness in those patients previously engaged in a Leeds-based community CR programme.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a telephone questionnaire to determine causes of withdrawal. A questionnaire based on the transtheoretical model of change was used to assess changes in PA readiness in these patients.


RESULTS
101 withdrawn patients (mean age = 61 years; 72% male) were identified. It was found that 20 patients had relapsed beyond baseline (preparation phase) into pre-contemplation and contemplation phases and 15 reported they were in the preparation phase. However, the majority of patients remained in the action (18) and maintenance (48) phases of the transtheoretical model. Patients reported the following reasons for withdrawal: joined other facilities (16%); injury or illness (3%); family demands (7%); work demands (14%); lack of motivation (4%); lack of enjoyment (11%); lack of transport (10%); lack of time (10%); too expensive (6%); too crowded (4%).


CONCLUSIONS
66% of patients who had withdrawn from a phase IV CR programme remained in an advanced stage of PA readiness. Drop-out was due to a combination of financial, physical and lifestyle factors.
Rivett
Martin J
MJ
Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingley, Leeds, UK.
Tsakirides
Costas
C
Pringle
Andrew
A
Carroll
Sean
S
Ingle
Lee
L
Dudfield
Mike
M
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management; D014186:Transportation