METHOD: This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted across three scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science), targeting original articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. The quality of the eligible articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The findings were synthesised through content analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included, identifying both the direct and indirect effects of illness perception variables as a whole or in their respective dimensions. The illness perception variable has demonstrated a significant positive and negative relationships with the physical activity domain.
LIMITATION: The majority of the included studies had a cross-sectional design. Therefore, the evidence quality was relatively low and exhibited a high risk of bias. Furthermore, there was language bias as only English-language publications were selected.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this review will serve as a guide for healthcare providers in enhancing physical activity adherence among patients with non-communicable diseases through an illness perception approach. This approach can be integrated into clinic consultations and intervention programmes. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of the illness perception approach in promoting physical activity adherence.