Predictors of adherence to treatment in cardiovascular patients based on social adequacy

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to assess predictors of adherence to treatment in cardiovascular patients based on social adequacy Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common chronic diseases and a major cause of disability. They disturb the performance and social, familial, and occupational relations of patients. Adherence to treatment is one of the most effective methods to prevent the complications and progression of cardiovascular diseases. It is influenced by various factors such as self-efficacy, beliefs, social relations, and social adequacy. This study was conducted to determine the predictors of adherence to treatment in cardiovascular patients based on social adequacy. Methods: The research population of this descriptive-analytical study included cardiovascular patients discharged from the treatment centers from March 21 to June 22, 2021. Using the Pass software, the sample size was estimated to be 250 patients, which was increased to 270 by taking into account a 10% drop. The participants were selected by stratified random sampling based on the type of disease and inclusion criteria. Data were collected by a demographic information form, Fellner’s Social adequacyQuestionnaire, and Modanlo’s Treatment Adherence Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive (frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and analytic statistics (correlation and linear regression). Results: There was a significant correlation between social adequacy and adherence to treatment (p=0.001, r=0.677). There was also a significant relationship between adherence to treatment and four dimensions of social adequacy, including cognitive skills, behavioral skills, emotional adequacy, and motivational cues (p=0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that behavioral skills predicted 0.994 and effort in treatment and willingness to participate in treatment predicted 0.999 of adherence to treatment. Conclusion: Given the significant relationship between social adequacy and adherence to treatment in discharged patients and its predictive power, the patients’ social adequacy is suggested to be evaluated at the time of discharge, and required educational measures are advised to be taken based on the patients’ needs to empower and enhance their social adequacy.