title: Attitude toward the out-patient cardiac rehabilitation program and facilitators for maintenance of exercise behavior.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the attitudes of Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) toward the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (OCRP), as well as their exercise behavior, intention, maintenance and related factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive study design was used, and 22 CHD patients were recruited in Hong Kong in 2014. In-depth interviews and content analyses were conducted. The tripartite model of attitudes was adopted as research framework.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two themes were identified: (1) informant attitude (perception, affection, and practice) toward the OCRP and (2) Exercise Behavior - intention, maintenance and its related factors. Most informants showed positive perception and affection regarding the outpatient rehabilitation program, leading to regular practice of exercise in the program and at home. Peer, group dynamic, social support and Chinese culture influences on exercise behavior may serve as major facilitators to maintain exercise behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Positive attitude toward the OCRP enhanced the participation rate, whereas peer and social support from the family and workplace were useful to improve the maintenance of exercise behavior. Overall, this study provides insights into strategic planning for the OCRP and continual support for CHD patients in the community.
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Eliza M L
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Xue Bing
authors.initials: XB
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Janet W H
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Sit
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Sek Ying
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chair
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Doris Y P
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: a The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: b Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation unit , Tung Wah Eastern Hospital , Causeway Bay , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Attitude; cardiac rehabilitation program; coronary heart disease; exercise behavior; factors