Personal Perceptions and Women's Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences in personal perceptions between women who participated in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and women who did not. This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 370 female patients who had been treated and discharged between April 1, 1995, and September 30, 1995. Three standardized scales, a self-report instrument, and medical records reviews were used to collect data at five hospitals and four CR centers in three midsized northeastern Ohio cities. Differences in personal perception and demographic variables between participants and nonparticipants were examined. Education, history of coronary heart disease (CHD), and specific cardiac diagnoses showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Logistic regression tested the model for participation. No variable or group of variables was found to predict CR participation in this sample of women. All cardiac patients need information about CR. Patients with less education, a history of CHD, and a diagnosis of stable angina need special instructions and closer follow-up.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Elderly: Patient Selection and Outcomes

“…In particular, elderly cardiac patients and those with other chronic illnesses who are likely to have some disability, reduced functional capacity and ongoing cardiac symptoms do not often access cardiac rehabilitation 25,26 . It is not surprising that high levels of comorbidity exist among these patients and that they are likely to experience a reduced quality of life following a cardiac event 27–29 . For this group of individuals, significant benefits may be evident in providing accessible cardiac rehabilitation in the posthospital phase, such as residential or home‐based cardiac rehabilitation.…”

Barriers to participation in cardiac rehabilitation

“…Predictors of participation include revascularization14, 17, left ventricular dysfunction18 and regular physical activity prior to MI17. Psychosocial barriers have also been identified including depression8, 19, social deprivation and lower socioeconomic status17, 19, dependent spouse at home8, 20, lack of transportation20–23, lack of motivation16, 18, 20, 21, reduced self-efficacy 13, 24, 25, and perception that rehabilitation is inconvenient18, 23, 24 or unnecessary20, 21. However, many of these studies do not reflect contemporary practice, were narrative or provided information from focus group discussions or free-form interviews.…”

Effectiveness of home‐based cardiac rehabilitation for special needs patients

“…1995, Allen & Redman 1996). It is not surprising, then, that high levels of comorbidity exist among these patients and that they are likely to experience a reduced quality of life following a cardiac event (King & Koon 1998, Goodwin 1999, Missick 1999). For this group of individuals then, significant benefits may be evident in providing accessible cardiac rehabilitation in the post hospital phase.…”

“…Hospital outpatient rehabilitation often report difficulties in both attracting and keeping older women in their programmes. Consequently, older women are often reported as having poorer health outcomes following an acute cardiac event when compared with their male counterparts (Missick 1999, 2001). In the current study 51% of the patients choosing to undertake home‐based rehabilitation were older women.…”