Factors associated with behavior modification for cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease in northern Taiwan.

Background: Studies have demonstrated that improvement in cardiovascular risk factors may contribute to reduced coronary artery disease (CAD) morbidity and mortality, improved patient outcomes, and lower medical costs associated with treating heart disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the coronary risk factor profile, to have the knowledge of risk factors, to understand the modifying behaviors, and to understand the factors associated with modifying behaviors of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with CAD in northern Taiwan.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Using nonprobability sampling, 156 patients diagnosed with CAD were interviewed and asked to complete a structural questionnaire in cardiovascular clinics at three medical centers in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation, chi-square tests, and stepwise multiple regression.

Results: A total of 38% of variance of modifying behaviors was explained by self-efficacy, actual risk factors, work status, and health beliefs. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of behavior to modify cardiovascular risk factors. Age and type "A" personality were the two leading cardiovascular risk factors for the participants. Most participants could perform modifying behaviors such as taking medications, eating an appropriate diet, and following specific lifestyle recommendations. However, participants had relatively lower adherence to monitoring blood pressure, exercising regularly, and controlling weight.

Conclusions/implications For Practice: Nurses should assess patient cardiovascular risk factors, health beliefs, and self-efficacy and then provide comprehensive and adequate instruction to each based on his or her specific risk factors.