Background and Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of sudden death. In\nthis article, we compared patients� illness perception (IP), treatment adherence and coping mechanisms\nof patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Methods:\nIn this descriptive, prospective observational study IP, treatment adherence and coping of\n140 patients were evaluated pre-PTCA, at the time of hospital discharge and 1 to 3 months post-\nPTCA by Illness Perception Questionnaire, Morisky Treatment Adherence and Carver�s brief COPE\nquestionnaires. Results: 1 - 3 months post-PTCA, all dimensions of IP changed significantly except\npersonal and treatment control. Adherence scores decreased simultaneously. With respect to\ncoping mechanisms, all increased except behavioral disengagement, emotional support, instrumental\nsupport and religion which decreased significantly post-PTCA. Conclusions: In Overall, an\nimproved IP and increased use of controllable causal attributions led to an increase in medication\nadherence and adaptive coping strategies. Post-treatment health behaviors are predictable by assessing\npatients� illness-related beliefs beforehand.
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