The relationship of proxy-efficacy and self-efficacy on the intention to continue cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation is profoundly effective at improving physical activity and reducing morbidity and mortality of heart patients. Despite its effectiveness, it is highly underutilized. Research indicates proxy-efficacy and self efficacy positively correlate and predict exercise adherence after Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (Bray & Cowan, 2004; Bray, Brawley, & Millen, 2006). The purpose of the current study aims to investigate the relationship of Phase I patients' proxy-efficacy and self efficacy and their intention to enroll in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Thirty participants completed measurements of self-efficacy and proxy-efficacy, a demographic questionnaire, and asked to indicate intent to enroll. Results revealed proxy-efficacy does not predict intention to enroll into Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Even though patients generally had high confidence in their cardiac rehabilitation specialists, proxy-efficacy was an insufficient predictor of intention to enroll in subsequent cardiac rehabilitation services. Moreover, results indicate proxy-efficacy and self efficacy for exercise are not related.