A correlational study to assess the levels of adherence to treatment, illness perception and acceptance of illness in patients with coronary artery disease attending the outpatient departments at a tertiary care hospital

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a major global health burden, and its effective management depends on optimal treatment adherence, realistic illness perception, and adequate acceptance of illness. However, evidence examining these psychosocial and behavioral factors remains limited. This study assessed treatment adherence, illness perception, and acceptance of the illness and explored their associations among CAD patients. A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 CAD patients selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized tools: the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-B), and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) with the relative ranges (MMAS-8: 0-8, IPQ-B: 0-80, AIS: 8-40). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) were used to summarize the data, Pearson’s correlation was applied to examine relationships among variables, and the chi-square test was used to assess associations between outcome variables and selected sociodemographic factors. Treatment adherence was predominantly low (59%), with a mean score of 5.69±1.58. Illness perception scores indicated that most participants (82%) experienced a high perceived illness threat (mean = 54.93±8.78). Acceptance of illness was moderate in 57.6% of participants, with a mean score of 25.09±6.07. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between acceptance of illness and treatment adherence (r=0.245, p<0.001). Illness perception showed no significant relationship with other variables. Significant associations were identified between treatment adherence and socioeconomic status (χ²=19.97, p=0.003); acceptance of illness and educational status (p<0.001), physical activity (χ²=12.98, p=0.011), and past medical history (χ² =29.51, p=0.003); and illness perception with socioeconomic status (χ²=16.18, p=0.013) and area of residence (χ²=16.88, p=0.002). CAD patients showed low treatment adherence, high perceived illness threat, and moderate illness acceptance. Strengthening patient education, addressing illness perceptions, and enhancing psychological support may improve adherence and long-term disease management.