Self-Care, Resilience, and Uncertainty in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Correlational Study

Abstract

Background Self-care is important after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent the recurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Resilience and uncertainty generally affect self-care among patients with chronic illnesses. Considering the chronicity of CAD, further evidence is necessary to determine the association between self-care, resilience, and uncertainty in patients after CABG surgery. Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the self-care-related factors in patients who underwent CABG surgery by investigating the association between self-care with resilience and uncertainty among these patients. Methods We enrolled 110 patients who visited the outpatient clinic after CABG surgery. Data were collected using the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory Version 3.0, the Resilience Scale, and the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results Patients after CABG surgery exhibited an "adequate"level of self-care in both self-care maintenance and self-care monitoring. However, the level of self-care management was identified as insufficient. Self-care maintenance was related to resilience and regular exercise behavior. Self-care monitoring was associated with resilience. Self-care management demonstrated an association with patients' economic status. Conclusions Interventions should prioritize resilience improvement and healthy lifestyle behavior advancement to promote self-care in patients who have undergone CABG surgery. This approach requires a preliminary evaluation of the resilience, exercise behavior, and economic status of such patients. © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.