Frequency and predictors of non-adherence to lifestyle modifications and medications after coronary artery bypass grafting: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to dietary recommendations, exercise and prescribed drug regimens, in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a major health care issue worldwide. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of non-adherence to lifestyle changes and medication among CHD patients after undergoing CABG surgery. METHOD: The sample of this cross sectional descriptive study was 265 patients who underwent isolated primary CABG. Participants who met the eligibility criteria were provided with a pre-coded questionnaire 4 weeks or more after surgery. Adherence was assessed on the basis of patient's self-report. Significance of results was analyzed using Chi square test. RESULTS: Roughly half of the patients were non-adherent to dietary recommendations (n = 120, 45.3%) and exercise (n = 109, 41.1%) while about one third (n = 69, 26%) were non-adherent to prescribed medications. Unwillingness to adopt a new lifestyle and more than one social gathering per week, were found to be statistically significant predictors of non-adherence to diet (p-values < 0.001). Reluctance to follow exercise regimen, busy schedule, and fear that exercise will aggravate heart issues were commonly reported as reasons for non-compliance to exercise. As for non-adherence to medication, forgetfulness, affordability of drugs and too many medications to take were important predictors. CONCLUSION: Non-adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication is an emerging problem worldwide. It is essential for medical health professionals to discuss these predictors and address them individually. Our findings highlight the need for a healthy physician and patient relationship.