The Health Belief Model and Women’s Adherence to a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify health beliefs that affect adherence rates to prescribed exercise programming for women based on medically diagnosed cardiacrelated conditions. Research indicates that despite the documented health benefits of a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) program, only a small percentage of eligible women are being enrolled and adhering to a CR program. This study sought to better understand participation and adherence rates of women using the Health Belief Model (HBM; Becker, 1974) as a theoretical framework. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. Five female patients who were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program for 6 months or longer were recruited from a local CR program to participate in two, 45 minute interviews. The Qualitative Health Belief Interview Guide was used to explore health beliefs associated with adherence in their CR program. Each case was analyzed based on each construct of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Although each case differed, commonalities arose through each construct of the HBM. Analysis indicated that all constructs together led to adherence to a recommended health action. The results of this study indicate that by ensuring that women experience benefits in a CR program and by decreasing their barriers, it appears that women will adhere to a CR program. The results of this study will be of interest to physicians, health regions, nurse educators, and other stakeholders with the intent of understanding the issue and working toward improved practice at every level of involvement.