Study of Factors Influencing Early Kinesiophobia in Older Patients after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in China

Background: Kinesiophobia is highly prevalent among postoperative cardiac patients. Early identification of kinesiophobia in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can improve their ability to participate in physical activities. However, there is limited research on the factors influencing kinesiophobia in older patients during the early stages after CABG. To investigate the factors influencing early kinesiophobia in older patients after coronary artery bypass grafting and to examine the correlation between these factors and social support and rehabilitation exercise self-efficacy. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 117 older patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in the cardiac surgery ward of a tertiary grade A hospital in Bengbu City from October 2022 to September 2023 were analyzed. The survey was conducted on-site using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-SV Heart), the Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the pain assessment scale. Single-factor analysis, multifactor regression analysis, and Spearman's correlation analysis were employed. Results: Among the 117 older patients in the early postoperative phase following coronary artery bypass grafting, the incidence of kinesiophobia was 73.5%. Single-factor analysis revealed that education level, medical expense coverage, place of residence, and pain scores were significantly associated with kinesiophobia (p < 0.05). Multifactor regression analysis identified age and monthly income as factors influencing cardiac exercise self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Age, education level, medical expense coverage, and monthly income affected patient social support (p < 0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations among cardiac exercise self-efficacy, social support, and kinesiophobia level (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of early kinesiophobia is relatively high among older patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. Educational level, medical expense coverage, place of residence, and postoperative pain were influential factors. Both cardiac exercise self-efficacy and social support have a significant impact on kinesiophobia in patients. Therefore, clinical healthcare professionals should prioritize older patients undergoing postcoronary artery bypass grafting with lower educational levels and monthly incomes. Effective and evidence-based clinical interventions can be tailored based on these influencing factors and their correlations to promote active participation in rehabilitation exercises and improve patient outcomes in the early postoperative phase.