The Association between Illness Perception and Depression in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background and Objectives Depression in cardiovascular diseases produces a relative risk between 1.5-2.5 for cardiac mortality. Illness perception influences patients’ coping methods against the problems and outcomes of their disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of illness perception with depression in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Subjects and Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 342 patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention between 2016-2017. Participants were selected using convenience sampling, and data were collected using a valid 3-section questionnaire including demographic information, illness perception questionnaire and Beck depression inventory. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS-V.21. Results The mean score of patients’ depression was 10±11.35 out of 63. The mean score of patients’ illness perception was obtained 17.92±4.55 out of 32. A statistically significant correlation was observed between depression and illness perception (P=0.001). Employment status, functional status, and illness perception were regarded as depression predicators. Conclusion Illness perception as a cognitive variable seems to have a significant effect on psychological outcomes such as depression. Putting emphasis on the positive aspects of psychological well-being which enhance perception of the disease in these patients is of paramount importance.