Associations Between Self-efficacy and Health Outcomes Among Cardiac Patients: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The aim was to provide a systematic examination of the associations between self-efficacy and health outcomes among people with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Five databases were searched to retrieve published literature over the period of June 1988 and October 2013. Using methodology of systematic review 209 studies were identified and 28 met the inclusion criteria. Original trials included 5710 participants. Findings: Self-efficacy was positively associated with subjective and objective health outcomes, such as physcial activity, diet, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol ratio, quality of life, self-care management behaviours, social functioning, positive emotions, and indicators of psychological well-being. Twelve out of thirteen self-efficacy enhancing interventions significantly affected health outcomes. Disscusion: Higher levels of self-efficacy are related with better health status of patients with cardiovascular diseases.