The most predominant self-reported barriers to cardiac rehabilitation adherence were lack of knowledge (41%), transport difficulties (38%), bad weather (32%), and lack of medical referral (31%).
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
Yes
Lack of knowledge, transport difficulties, and lack of medical referral are major barriers to cardiac rehabilitation adherence, highlighting the need for improved patient education and logistical support.
Abstract Introduction Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a low-cost, non-invasive treatment. Its benefits, already proven in the literature, are related to the improvement of functional capacity and quality of life, as well as the reduction of new hospitalisation/intervention events. Low patient adherence to CR remains a significant global challenge. According to the literature, socioeconomic factors, such as educational level and occupational status, greatly influence patient adherence to long-term treatments. Therefore, understanding these self-reported barriers in the national context allows for the identification of patient limitations and needs. Objective To identify the main self-reported barriers to the adherence and participation of cardiac patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes in reference centres. Methods This was a cross-sectional study (opinion number 6.492.334), conducted from July 2023 to November 2025 in CR reference care centres. Eligible cardiac patients answered the validated Barriers Scale questionnaire. This questionnaire has 27 items: 26 on a Likert scale and one open-ended question, concerning the main barriers and factors that may limit the patient's adherence and participation in CR. Results The study included 100 patients (48% men and 52% women). The majority of patients were over 60 years old (53%), and the most prevalent comorbidity was Systemic Arterial Hypertension (60%). Notably, 56% of the sample had not completed secondary education, indicating an educational vulnerability among the patients in these reference centres. The most predominant barriers were: lack of knowledge/information about cardiac rehabilitation (41%), difficulties with transport (38%), bad weather (32%), lack of medical referral (31%), and complications related to other health problems (31% each). Conclusions Lack of knowledge and logistical issues, such as transport, are the main barriers to CR adherence in this population. Given the high prevalence of low educational attainment, these data suggest that among preventative strategies, we should focus on improving communication and dissemination of cardiac rehabilitation and on patient health education. Another important point is to actively address referral issues with cardiology professionals to create and strengthen partnerships. Regarding logistical issues, it is essential to encourage cooperation between governmental bodies to expand access and adherence to treatment.
Silva et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiac patients eligible for Cardiac Rehabilitation (n=100). Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) adherence barriers assessment was evaluated on Self-reported barriers to adherence and participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. The most predominant self-reported barriers to cardiac rehabilitation adherence were lack of knowledge (41%), transport difficulties (38%), bad weather (32%), and lack of medical referral (31%).
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