Introduction: Coronary artery disease is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases. ‎Promotion of general self-efficacy after a cardiovascular event is the outcome that plays a ‎pivotal role in increasing rehabilitation skills to modify healthy behaviors. Having desirable ‎illness perception may have promoted this capability.‎

 Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between perception of illness and ‎general self-efficacy in coronary artery disease patients.

‎ Methods: In a cross-sectional study, ‎‏195‏‎ patients with coronary artery disease, chosen by ‎simple sampling method, were asked to complete questionnaires of perception of illness and ‎general self efficacy. Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between dependent ‎and independent variables and associated factors in coronary artery disease patients’ ‎general self-efficacy.‎

 Results‏:‏‎ Findings of this study revealed that ‎‏74.9%‏‎ of samples had desirable general self-‎efficacy. In most cases (‎‏73.8%‏‎) the level of perception of illness was satisfactory. Survey of ‎variables indicated a significant relationship between perception of illness and age, level of ‎education, occupation status, and previous training regarding self-care. General self-efficacy ‎was significantly related to age, gender, marital status, education level , diagnosis of cardiac ‎disease, living conditions, occupation status, previous training regarding self-care (p<‎‏0.05‏‎). In ‎addition chi-square test indicated that there was a significant correlation between perception of ‎illness and general self-efficacy in coronary artery disease patients. ‎

 Conclusion: Designing clinical educational programs and nursing interventions is effective in ‎improving illness perception and also promotion of patients’ general self-efficacy for better ‎self-care.‎