Tianpei Liu,1– 3 Shuang Yang,1 Shuling Rong,1 Meihua Liu,1,2 Xiaolin Wang,4 Yonghong Ji1 

1Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Neonatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Shuling Rong; Yonghong Ji, Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, People’s Republic of China, Email 2306673817@qq.com; hlbjyh@126.com

Purpose: With the rapid development of medical science and technology and the increasing trend of coronary heart disease (CHD) rejuvenation, home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR), with its unique advantages, shows great potential for application in the field of prevention and treatment of CHD. In-depth understanding of the subjective perception and willingness to participate in HBCR of patients with CHD is crucial to the precise formulation of rehabilitation programs and the promotion of the clinical application of HBCR. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing young and middle-aged CHD patients’ willingness to participate in HBCR.
Patients and Methods: This study used the qualitative descriptive approach. Using purposive sampling, a total of 20 young and middle-aged patients with CHD who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Taiyuan from June to August 2024 were selected to participate in this study. This study used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the theoretical framework to carry out data collection and analysis. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Two researchers independently read, coded, categorized, and refined themes.
Results: Based on the framework of the TPB, four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) attitude; (2) subjective norm; (3) perceived behavioral control; and (4) Knowledge mastery level. Of the 20 participants in this study, 15 participants had positive attitudes toward HBCR, but their willingness to participate was still influenced by multiple factors. Economic conditions are the fundamental factor influencing patients’ willingness to participate in HBCR. Social support, self-efficacy, emotional state, and knowledge mastery level are also crucial. The lack of face-to-face professional guidance and the HBCR risks perceived by patients impede their participation. Moreover, the social roles of young and middle-aged CHD patients are a unique factor influencing their willingness to participate.
Conclusion: Under the guidance of TPB, this study deeply explored the factors influencing young and middle-aged CHD patients’ willingness to participate in HBCR. Based on these factors, it is necessary to make precise interventions in the future at the government level, among healthcare professionals, and within social support systems. By identifying these factors, we can not only improve patients’ willingness to rehabilitate and the rehabilitation effect, help them return to society, and reduce social pressure, but also promote the clinical application of HBCR and optimize the CR grading system.

Keywords: coronary heart disease, young and middle-aged adults, cardiac rehabilitation, participation willingness, influencing factors, theory of planned behavior