BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of mortality worldwide, require a multidisciplinary approach, with cardiac rehabilitation being a recommended component. The rehabilitation process may be directly influenced by social support, which enhances motivation to cope with the disease and fosters its acceptance.

AIMS

This study aims to assess the level of social support among patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation and its impact on disease acceptance.

METHODS

The study included a sample of 150 patients currently participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Data were collected through direct contact using the validated, anonymous Acceptance of Illness Scale questionnaire, supplemented with a demographic section addressing social support.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents reported receiving strong family support (51.3%) and good institutional support (47.3%) during treatment. The mean score for illness acceptance was 29.6 ± 6.9, indicating a high acceptance level observed in most patients (57.3%). The -values for the association between illness acceptance and support from family and institutions were = 0.43 and = 0.82, respectively, suggesting no statistically significant relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation generally experience strong family support, good institutional support, and a high level of disease acceptance. No statistically significant relationship was observed between family or institutional support and the level of disease acceptance.