COMPARING THE WILLINGNESS, BARRIERS, AND KNOWLEDGE OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION BETWEEN ELDERLY AND NON-ELDERLY CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS IN AREAS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the differences in CR willingness, participation barriers, and CR knowledge between elderly and non-elderly cardiovascular patients in areas with limited resources. Design and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospitalized cardiovascular patients in the cardiology department of a comprehensive hospital in Shanghai, China. A total of 414 valid questionnaires were collected. The survey included demographic and clinical information, CR willingness, the Chinese/Mandarin Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-C/M) to assess CR barriers, and the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire Short Version (CADE-Q SV) to evaluate CR knowledge. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression to identify differences between elderly and non-elderly patients and determine factors influencing CR willingness. Results: 43.2% of patients expressed willingness to participate in CR if recommended by a doctor. Elderly patients experienced fewer time conflicts but faced greater barriers related to program and health system factors, as well as comorbidities/functional status. No significant differences were found between elderly and non-elderly patients regarding CR willingness and CR knowledge. Factors influencing CR willingness included perceived CR need obstacles (OR = 0.740, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.648–0.846), family history of cardiovascular disease (yes vs. no: OR = 2.683, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.535–4.690), time conflict (OR = 0.897, p = 0.017, 95% CI = 0.820–0.981), and comorbidities/functional status barriers (OR = 0.902, p = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.824–0.987). Conclusions: Elderly patients have similar CR willingness and knowledge as non-elderly patients, but face greater barriers in program and health system factors as well as comorbidities/functional status. This study highlights the necessity of implementing targeted interventions and public health strategies for elderly cardiovascular disease patients, particularly in resource-limited areas, to improve awareness and accessibility of CR, which is crucial for better cardiovascular outcomes.