The relationship of psychological aspects and the satisfaction of the quality of life of patients under exercise-based cardiology rehabilitation

Psychological functioning is an important factor in the recovery of cardiac patients. Scientific evidence indicate that stress, anxiety and depression can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes (1), while on the other hand, perceived self-efficacy (2) and satisfaction with quality of life (3) support better adaptation when it comes to the rehabilitation program. The exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) program includes a personalized and multidisciplinary approach to the patient at all levels, including psychological functioning, which aims to individualize, consult, educate and work with the aim of improving subjective well-being.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional distress, self-efficacy, demographic characteristics and satisfaction with quality of life in patients undergoing a 21-day ebCR program.

Patients and methods: The study included 118 participants (M = 63.39, SD = 10.16). Of these, 68% were male, 30% were female and 2% did not specify gender. All participants were patients in ebCR program. Standardized questionnaires (DASS-21, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale) were used to assess depression, anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses, as well as non-parametric tests for differences between groups.

Older age was a positive predictor of stress (b = 0.013, p < 0.01), depression (b = 0.01, p < 0.05), and anxiety (b = 0.011, p < 0.01). Women reported significantly higher emotional distress compared to men (U = 46, p < 0.05). Self-efficacy was negatively correlated with anxiety (r = –0.24, p < 0.01) and stress (r = –0.23, p < 0.05). Satisfaction and quality of life were positively associated with self-efficacy (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), and negatively associated with depression (r = –0.26, p < 0.01), anxiety (r = –0.23, p < 0.05) and stress (r = –0.29, p < 0.01). Patients with higher levels of education reported greater self-efficacy and better evaluations of life conditions and achievements than those with lower education.

The results emphasize the strong role of psychological aspects and education within cardiac rehabilitation. Interventions within rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing emotional distress and increasing self-efficacy have a positive impact on satisfaction with quality of life and at the same time provide a better overall rehabilitation outcome.