Stages of Physical Activity in Patients after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Application of Trans-Theoretical Model

Aim: Continuous physical activity is required after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to prevent recurrence of the disease; however, its amount is not suitable in many patients. The present study aimed to investigate the stages of physical activity in patients after CABG using the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM). Methods: In this cross-sectional research, 120 cardiac patients participated; they had CABG surgery and referred to Ekbatan Hospital of Hamadan. Sampling was conducted using a purpose-based approach. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TTM and analyzed using the SPSS18 software. Descriptive statistics and statistical processes of one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc, and Chi-square tests were also conducted at a significant level of p<0.05. Findings: The mean age of the participants was 57.87±9.89 years. From the 120 patients under study, 4.2% were in the pre-contemplation phase, 14.2% in the contemplation stage, 58.3% in the preparation stage, 10.8% in the action stage, and 12.5% in the maintenance phase of the physical activity. The results of ANOVA test showed a significant difference between the stages of change in behavior with perceived advantages, perceived disadvantages, perceived self-efficacy, and processes of change (p <0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that many patients did not have regular physical activity after surgery. This makes clear the need for educational interventions based on theoretical models by health educators.