Religion, Relationships and Mental Health in Midlife Women Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Little is known about coping in women following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In midlife, women have worse outcomes than men following AMI. Innovative interventions need to be developed that respond to these women's unique recovery needs. In this correlational, descriptive study, 59 women aged 35-64 who had experienced AMI reported low satisfaction with life and decreased mental health; 49% were experiencing depression. However, they also reported that religion, family, and friends provided strength and comfort at the time of their AMI. Greater activation of simple, family-oriented, coping resources during recovery may be key. It is recommended that mental health nurses be essential members of the recovery planning team.

Religious practices and changes in health-related quality of life after hospital discharge for an acute coronary syndrome

“…While the influence of several sociodemographic and clinical factors on HRQOL among survivors of ACS has been studied [7, 8], very limited research has been conducted to understand the influence of religiosity on HRQOL among hospital survivors of ACS. Religious beliefs and practices provide vital strategies for coping with illness, including strength and optimism in the acute phase of an illness and recovery period [9, 10]. Cross-sectional [11, 12] and longitudinal [13] studies that have examined the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and QOL among patients with various forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have, however, demonstrated mixed findings.…”

Caring for women globally: Psychometric testing of two instruments translated into five languages for use in cardiovascular recovery

“…A higher score reflects greater religiousness. The Index of Religiousness demonstrated acceptable reliability in a sample of midlife women following acute myocardial infarction ( n = 59) and with elder women following hip surgery ( n = 30) …”

“…25 Religiousness in women following an acute myocardial infarction is significantly associated with mental health and well-being. 26,27 Religious attendance is associated with reduction in blood pressure and mortality and shorter lengths of stay following CV surgery. [28][29][30] Systematic reviews demonstrate findings that participation in religious activities and social relations contribute in the reduction of mortality from CV.…”

“…The Index of Religiousness demonstrated acceptable reliability in a sample of midlife women following acute myocardial infarction (n = 59) and with elder women following hip surgery (n = 30). 26,39 In addition to the instruments, a nine-item demographic form (e.g. age, education, income, marital and living with status, and race) was used to gather information from participants.…”

“…Religiousness in women following an acute myocardial infarction is significantly associated with mental health and well‐being . Religious attendance is associated with reduction in blood pressure and mortality and shorter lengths of stay following CV surgery .…”