Designing an Attitudinal Model Based on the Self-care Trait of Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders Using Structural Equation Modeling

Attitudinal factors based on traits are one of the most important issues affecting the self-care of patients with cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). This study aims to design an attitudinal model based on the characteristics of self-care in patients with CVDs.

This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The study population consists of 467 patients with CVDs who were selected non-randomly. The data was collected using a research-made questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS software, version 23, using descriptive tests, Pearson correlation test, multiple linear regression analysis. Structural equation modeling was done in Amos software, version 24.

The mean age of the participants was 59.96±14.25 years. The construct of “meaning in life” construct was the significant predictor of the construct of “sense of coherence” (P<0.001, β=0.26), and the construct of “illness perception” was the significant predictor of self-care behaviors (P<0.001, β=0.21). The degree of freedom (χ2/df) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were <5 and <0.8, respectively, indicating the good fit of the study model.

The most important predictors of self-care behaviors in CVD patients are a positive perception of illness, health locus of control, and meaning in life. These factors should be further investigated for managing the self-care behaviors of CVD patients.