Relationships among social support, depression, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease

Background. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasingly prevalent in the world today. CHD patients often exhibit depressive symptoms and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as a result of the numerous lifestyle changes they have to undertake. Thus, identifying psychosocial factors that enhance HRQoL would contribute towards improving the health status of CHD patients. Purpose. This study aims to explore the relative importance of different types of social support in predicting HRQoL, depression, and self- efficacy. In addition, this study is interested in understanding the mechanisms that underlie the direct relationship between social support and HRQoL. Methods. Seventy-four CHD patients were recruited through convenience sampling from Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF). Participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires that assessed perceived social support, cardiac self-efficacy, depression, and HRQoL. Results. Positive interaction and emotional/informational support were found to be the most predictive of depression and self-efficacy respectively. No relationship was found between social support and HRQoL. Further, results suggest that the relationship between self-efficacy and HRQoL is mediated by depression, in which higher levels of depression is associated with poorer HRQoL. Conclusion. Social support may indirectly influence HRQoL through its strong relationship with depression and self-efficacy. Healthcare planners may consider incorporating findings from this study into future planning, in order to provide more efficacious interventions to improve the HRQoL of CHD patients. Further, healthcare providers should pay special attention to patients exhibiting depressive symptoms and provide interventions to improve cardiac self-efficacy and alleviate depression, thereby enhancing their HRQoL.Bachelor of Art