Relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life and the mediating role of perceived stress in people with cardiovascular disease: A structural equation model

Abstract Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life in people with cardiovascular patients. Background. Cardiovascular disease as a chronic and debilitating physical condition is one of the most common causes of death and can affect the quality of life. In this regard, it is necessary to identify variables related to quality of life in these patients. Method. The present study was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the present study included all patients with cardiovascular disease referring to hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran in 2019, of which 151 people were recruited based on inclusion criteria. Data collection tools included the Sullivan Cardiac Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Cohenchr('39')s Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Quality of Life Scale (SF-36). Findings. The results showed that negative perception of stress and positive perception of stress had a statistically significant negative and positive relationship with dimensions of quality of life, respectively. Self-efficacy had a statistically significant positive relationship with dimensions of quality of life. Perceived stress also mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life dimensions. Conclusion. In planning necessary measures to improve the quality of life in people with cardiovascular patients, it would be helpful to develop programs to strengthen self-efficacy and reduce stress.