Perceived health competence predicts health behavior and health-related quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of perceived health competence, a patient's belief in his or her ability to achieve health-related goals, on health behavior and health-related quality of life.

Methods: We analyzed 2063 patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome and/or congestive heart failure at a large academic hospital in the United States. Multivariable linear regression models investigated associations between the two-item perceived health competence scale (PHCS-2) and positive health behaviors such as medication adherence and exercise (Health Behavior Index) as well as health-related quality of life (5-item Patient Reported Outcome Information Measurement System Global Health Scale).

Results: After multivariable adjustment, perceived health competence was highly associated with health behaviors (p<0.001) and health-related quality of life (p<0.001). Low perceived health competence was associated with a decrease in health-related quality of life between hospitalization and 90days after discharge (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Perceived health competence predicts health behavior and health-related quality of life in patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease as well as change in health-related quality of life after discharge.

Practice Implications: Patients with low perceived health competence may be at risk for a decline in health-related quality of life after hospitalization and thus a potential target for counseling and other behavioral interventions.