| The primary aims of the this study were threefold: (1) to provide descriptive information regarding the cardiac-related health behaviors of adolescents with CHD, specifically their self-reported physical activity and dietary behavior, (2) to compare the health beliefs (i.e., perceived threat, outcome expectancy, and self-efficacy) of adolescents with and without a history of CHD, and (3) to examine the hypothesized relationships between health-related beliefs (i.e., perceived threat, outcome expectancy, and self-efficacy) and behaviors (i.e., diet and physical activity) among a sample of adolescents with and without a history of cardiac disease and their parents. A total of 121 adolescents with CHD and 97 of their parents participated in this study along with 66 adolescents without CHD and 77 of their parents. Participating adolescents and parents were asked to complete measures of health-related beliefs, self-reported physical activity and dietary habits, and demographic questionnaires that were administered through the mail. Information about the illness and treatment history of adolescents with CHD was obtained from questionnaires administered to parents and the adolescent's cardiologist. Adolescents with CHD were found to engage in less frequent hard exercise and were less likely to meet national recommendations for the amount of saturated fat in their diet than the comparison group. As expected, adolescents with CHD reported lower self-efficacy for physical activity and expectations regarding the potential positive outcomes to their health resulting from engagement in physical activity and healthy dietary behaviors. Mixed support was found for the hypothesized relationships between adolescent health-related beliefs and behaviors within the two study groups. However, as predicted, positive associations were found between the health-related beliefs and behaviors of adolescents, their parents beliefs regarding the adolescents' health, and parent engagement in physical activity and healthy dietary behavior. Results were discussed in consideration of the limitations associated with study design and measurement along with recommendations for future research on the health-related beliefs and behaviors of adolescents with a history of CHD. Finally, based on study findings, suggestions were made for the design and implementation of health promotion programs that target adolescents with CHD. |
