Patient Health Engagement Model (PHE) in Affecting Patient Activation and Self-efficacy Among Cardiac Patients

Background: Heart patients must be able to actively manage and take care of their disease, medication, and symptoms. On the other hand, following self-management recommendations also requires patient activation. Objectives: This study assessed the relationships of patient health engagement model (PHE) with self-efficacy and activation in cardiac patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study is cross-sectional. The sample size was determined to be 207 cardiovascular patients. Subjects were randomly selected from a list of patients referred to a government hospital in the south of Iran. The data collection tools included the Patient activation measurement (PAM-19), health promotion strategies (SUPPH), and Patient Health Engagement Scale (PHE-S). Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, linear regression, optimal scaling, correlation test, and categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA). Results: All subjects were in the third stage of the PHE model (median = 3). A total of (49.5%) of subjects had good self-efficacy, and 39.7% of patients had a good activation score. The PHE model predicted self-efficacy (P < 0.001, R = 0.264) and patient activation (P < 0.001, R = 0.252). Patient Health Engagement had stronger predictive power for the active participation dimension (P < 0.001, R = 0.222). Conclusions: It seems that PHE is shaped according to the patients' level of activation and self-efficacy. However, more studies need to be conducted. By focusing on the emotional states, mental processes, and behavior of the patients, the PHE model can enhance their engagement in the chronic disease care process. Nonetheless, further research is necessary.