Sociodemographic predictors and reasons for participation in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme following percutaneous coronary intervention

Evidence-based guidelines recommend participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to reduce subsequent cardiovascular events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons for and the demographic characteristics of patients who participate in CR programmes following PCI in a single metropolitan setting in Australia. Logistic regression models were used to examine the data obtained using self-reports through mailed questionnaires from 202 patients 12-24 months following the index PCI. Thirty-five per cent of subjects reported to have participated in CR programmes, of whom less than a quarter were female. In this sample the main reason for programme participation was a recommendation given by the general practitioner (GP). The likelihood of participating in a CR programme decreased with age and absence of a partner. Additional research on determinants of participation in CR programmes among this cohort of patients could assist in the development of new strategies to encourage healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of further cardiac events.