Illness Perceptions in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in a Private Hospital in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) makes it a significant public health concern. Studies on illness perceptions have established a clear correlation between patients' beliefs and the outcomes of their recovery from various illnesses and risk factors. As a result, gaining a deeper understanding of patients' illness perceptions of CAD is imperative for nurses, as it enables them to provide more tailored education and interventions. This, in turn, can improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden of CAD. Aim: The study aims to determine the illness perceptions in patients with coronary artery disease in an outpatient setting in Malaysia's private hospital. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used with a non-probability and non-randomized sampling method. Data was collected in 2018 through the self-administrated Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R). Results: A convenience sample of 117 patients (40.2 female, 59.8% male) filled out the questionnaire with a primary diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The questionnaire assessed illness perception in terms of seven core dimensions. CAD patients in Malaysia un-derstand the chronicity of their disease. Also, CAD patients in the current study seemed to believe that many of the causes of their illness were under their control. However, they did not appear to believe that the symptoms were related to their illness. Conclusion: The current study described the illness perception of CAD patients in the outpatient setting of a private hospital in Malaysia. The findings were positive overall; however, the patients seemed confused about their disease's nature. Hence, as the most trusted healthcare provider, nurses can significantly influence patients' illness perception by providing better education interventions. This will improve quality of life, minimize hospitalization, and enhance medication adherence. More prospective studies are mandated in the future to design superior interventional models that can be used to develop patients' perceptions.