Self-efficacy as a predictor of patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2018 Oct;17(7):619-626. doi: 10.1177/1474515118771017. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Abstract

Objective: Self-efficacy is a known predictor of patient-reported outcomes in individuals with acquired diseases. With an overall objective of better understanding patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease, this study aimed to: (i) assess self-efficacy in adults with congenital heart disease, (ii) explore potential demographic and medical correlates of self-efficacy and (iii) determine whether self-efficacy explains additional variance in patient-reported outcomes above and beyond known predictors.

Methods: As part of a large cross-sectional international multi-site study (APPROACH-IS), we enrolled 454 adults (median age 32 years, range: 18-81) with congenital heart disease in two tertiary care centres in Canada and Switzerland. Self-efficacy was measured using the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale, which produces a total score ranging from 10 to 40. Variance in the following patient-reported outcomes was assessed: perceived health status, psychological functioning, health behaviours and quality of life. Hierarchical multivariable linear regression analysis was performed.

Results: Patients' mean GSE score was 30.1 ± 3.3 (range: 10-40). Lower GSE was associated with female sex ( p = 0.025), not having a job ( p = 0.001) and poorer functional class ( p = 0.048). GSE positively predicted health status and quality of life, and negatively predicted symptoms of anxiety and depression, with an additional explained variance up to 13.6%. No associations between self-efficacy and health behaviours were found.

Conclusions: GSE adds considerably to our understanding of patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease. Given that self-efficacy is a modifiable psychosocial factor, it may be an important focus for interventions targeting congenital heart disease patients' well-being.

Keywords: Self efficacy; congenital; heart defects; multicentre study; patient-reported outcomes.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Canada
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Switzerland
  • Young Adult