The role of cognitive functioning in predicting health outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation patients

Marks, Douglas

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), characterized by a narrowing of arteries due to the build-up of plaque, is the most common cause of death worldwide, being responsible for an estimated 17.9 million death each year. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a multifaceted set of intervention services designed to afford CVD patients the opportunity to recover to the best of their capabilities and functioning. A variety of individual differences have been shown to effect CR patient outcomes including gender, socioeconomic status, and comorbid health conditions. However, the role that cognitive functioning plays in patient outcomes is poorly understood. This study investigates the role self-regulation and executive functioning play in predicting the physical and mental health status of patients attending Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Physical and Mental Health Status of 114 Phase 4 CR patients were assessed using the SF-12. Executive functioning was assessed using the Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), and the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SFQ) and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) were used to measure self-regulation. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that increased physical health was predicted by an increase CFQ subscale of Distractibility. Mental health was not predicted by any of the cognitive measures. SRQ total scores correlated with both physical and mental health. Results have implications for CR research, policy, and practice. Incorporating an increased understanding of an individual differences into treatment regimens and recovery plans will help facilitate health improvements. Assimilation of knowledge regarding the role cognitions play in health outcomes would require policy change at various levels of rehabilitation implementation. In addition, further work is necessary to explore the precise nature of the relationships between various subcomponents of executive functioning/self-regulation and both health outcomes and behaviours.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 21, 2023
• Keywords: Health Psychology, Cardiovascular Disease
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7952192
• Award Date: Mar 21, 2023