Background: Adherence to treatment is a crucial factor in preventing the progression of coronary heart disease. More evidence of the predictors of long-term adherence is needed. Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictive factors of adherence to treatment six years after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Baseline data ( n=416) was collected in 2013 and follow-up data in 2019 ( n=169) at two university hospitals and three central hospitals in Finland. The self-reported Adherence of Patients with Chronic Disease Instrument was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The respondents reported higher adherence to a healthy lifestyle six years after percutaneous coronary intervention in comparison to four months post-percutaneous coronary intervention; adherence was seen in their healthy behaviour, such as decreased smoking and reduced alcohol consumption. Participating in regular follow-up control predicted adherence. Support from next of kin predicted physical activity and normal cholesterol levels; this outcome was associated with close relationships, which also predicted willingness to be responsible for treatment adherence. Women perceived lower support from nurses and physicians, and they had more fear of complications. Fear was more common among respondents with a longer duration of coronary heart disease. Physical activity and male gender were associated with perceived results of care. Conclusion: Support from next of kin, nurses and physicians, results of care, responsibility, fear of complication and continuum of care predicted adherence to treatment in long term. These issues should be emphasised among women, patients without a close relationship, physically inactive and those with a longer duration of coronary heart disease.

Aims and objectives:The study was conducted to describe long-term perceived health among patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention as well as clarify the associations between perceived health and various factors. Background: Perceived health is an important outcome for coronary heart disease patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. Poor perceived health predicts low adherence to treatment, morbidity and mortality. Design: An explanatory and descriptive survey with a six-year follow-up (STROBE Statement: File S1). Methods: Baseline data (n = 416) were collected in 2013, with follow-up data collected from the same study group in 2019 (n = 154) at two university hospitals and three central hospitals in Finland. The employed self-reported questionnaire was based on the EuroQoL visual analogue scale and EuroQol five-dimensional scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate methods.Results: Perceived health did not significantly differ four months or six years after percutaneous coronary intervention. The respondents most commonly reported pain and discomfort (62.1%), problems in mobility (50.3%), issues with usual activities (27.5%), and anxiety and depression (24.0%). Managing self-care (8.5%) was least likely to be an issue for the respondents. A majority of the reported problems were of a mild nature. The consumption of an adequate amount of vegetables, lower systolic blood pressure, regular follow-up treatment, lack of prior invasive procedures, and younger age predicted better scores for both perceived health and its separate dimensions. Conclusion:Regular follow-up is important to ensure after percutaneous coronary intervention to identify patients with pain and discomfort, mobility problems, depression and anxiety. Healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to elderly patients, who have undergone severe invasive procedures.

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