Illness Perception Predicting Cardiovascular Health Behaviors among Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular health behaviors refer to the activities done by individuals to prevent recurrence, minimize risk factors, improve survival, reduce recurrent events, control cardiovascular disease, and help prevent further complications. Illness perception may determine these behaviors. This study is aimed to identify level of illness perception, cardiovascular health behaviors and illness perception predicting cardiovascular health behaviors among patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Altogether 114 samples were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected by using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Illness perception was at moderate level (M= 148.05, SD= 12.86) which represented a moderate threatening perception. The score of cardiovascular health behaviors was at a high level (M=92.14, SD=10.72). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that illness perception can be a predictor of cardiovascular health behaviors.