exploring the relationship between illness perception and self-efficacy among older adults with acute coronary syndrome: a descriptive study conducted in southern iran

Background & objectives: acute coronary syndrome (acs), one of the most common cardiovascular conditions affecting older adults, poses significant health challenges. illness perception and self-efficacy are widely regarded as key factors in the effective management of cardiovascular diseases. therefore, this study examined the relationship between illness perception and self-efficacy in older patients diagnosed with acs in southern iran.materials & methods:  this cross-sectional study was conducted from september to november 2024 among 164 older patients with acs in fasa, southern iran, using convenience sampling. data were collected via a demographic questionnaire, the illness perception questionnaire developed by broadbent et al., and sullivan’s cardiac self-efficacy scale.results: of the 164 participants, 102 (62.2%) were male and 62 (37.8%) were female. the mean age was 67.21 ± 5.46 years, and the mean duration of illness was 5.67 ± 4.41 years. the mean illness perception score was 45.32 ± 13.94, while the mean self-efficacy score was 28.96 ± 2.41; both scores were categorized as moderate. pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between illness perception and self-efficacy. however, no significant association was observed between demographic variables and either illness perception or self-efficacy.conclusion: the study’s findings indicate that both illness perception and self-efficacy in older patients with acs were at moderate levels. furthermore, a significant, positive correlation was identified between illness perception and self-efficacy. accordingly, it is recommended that health policymakers and administrators implement strategies aimed at enhancing self-awareness, illness perception, and self-efficacy among this population.