Patient perceptions of peripheral artery disease: A cross-sectional study of hospitalized adults

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have increased risk for complications of cardiovascular disease. Smoking cessation, physical activity, and adherence to treatment are critical for limiting the progression of this chronic disease and improving health-related quality of life in patients with PAD.The aim of the study was to explore patient perceptions of PAD and views on medication, tobacco use, and physical activity. This descriptive, cross-sectional study included patients with PAD admitted to a vascular surgery unit at a tertiary academic medical center (October 2017 to January 2018). Sociodemographic data and medical information were collected during hospitalization. Patients completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and Cigarette Dependence Scale. Additional questions examined physical activity. In total, 32 patients participated in the study. About half (16/30) were active smokers, whereas the remainder had smoked in the past. Only half of patients (16/32) considered smoking as contributing to PAD. Most patients (18/30) perceived PAD as a chronic problem, yet 8/30 (27%) considered PAD a rather acute illness. Patients reported significant cognitive and emotional consequences of PAD (mean 6.2 +/- 1.8 and 8.3 +/- 2.9, maximum score 10, respectively). They rated relatively low perceived personal control (mean 4.8 +/- 2.8, maximum score 10) and weak beliefs about the necessity of medication (mean 12.5 +/- 3.3, maximum score 25). Most patients (21/32) perceived physical activity as a protective factor for PAD. Patients perceive PAD as having significant impact on their life and report low levels of personal control in managing PAD. Understanding patient health beliefs may inform more tailored therapeutic education and health promoting interventions to limit disease progression.