THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS, HOPELESSNESS AND ILLNESS ACCEPTANCE LEVELS DIAGNOSED WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AND RELATED FACTORS.

Background: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic condition that requires prolonged and consistent management. Failure to recognize the necessity for prolonged treatment and care may result in a lack of acceptance of the disease, feelings of hopelessness and a lack of emphasis on healthy living, which can lead to an unmanageable disease, serious complications, increased care costs, elevated mortality and morbidity rates. The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviors, hopelessness and illness acceptance levels among individuals diagnosed with lower extremity PAD and related factors.