Quality of life in women post-myocardial infarction : the relationship of health promoting behaviors with enrollment and attendance in a cardiac rehabilitation program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between quality of life (QOL) scores in post-AMI women who attend cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) and women who do not attend. QOL scores were measured by the use of the modified Woman's Health Questionnaire and the MacNew QOL Questionnaire. A non-probability sample of women was obtained who were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) based on ( a) elevated cardiac enzymes, (b) electrocardiogram (EKG) changes of a significant nature, ( c) AMI diagnosis at least 8 weeks from study but no more than 1 year from study date, and ( d) English proficiency. Women were not excluded due to history of previous AMI. The Internal Review Board at Northwest Hospital in Tucson, Arizona approved a medical record review to contact their previous patients who met the criteria for inclusion. The sample of 30 women obtained had a mean age of 65.23 years (range 33-87), a majority were married, with a current relationship being spousal, a total income of greater than $50,001 per year, with Medicare as their primary insurance. Comorbidities included heart disease (100% ), followed by diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and thyroid disease. Medications correspond to chronic diseases listed. The women studied did not exhibit any significant differences on QOL scores regarding enrollment or non-enrollment in CRP, attendance or non-attendance in CRP, nor was significance found in the relationship between QOL scores and attendance at CRP. Other findings suggest that those women with greater education were more likely to attend greater than 2 sessions of CRP. Number of medications used also showed high correlational value with attendance at greater than 2 sessions of CRP. A significant relationship was found that with an increased number of comorbidities, QOL scores declined. The use of the MacNew QOL Questionnaire proved high internal consistancy, reliability for the total instrument and its subscales for this sample. Results of this small study showed no significant differences in post-AMI women and their QOL scores regarding attendance at CRP, illustrating a need for further nursing research. Advocating health promoting behaviors is essential for nursing to promote QOL in women who have experienced AMI.