Health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with myocardial infarction after returning to work: a cross-sectional study

Effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing post-traumatic stress among post-myocardial infarction patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which frequently occurs with anxiety and depression, impairing daily functioning and increasing the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. While psychological interventions have shown promise in reducing anxiety and depression, their effectiveness for PTSD in post-MI patients remains unexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions on PTSD, anxiety, and depression in post-MI patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A comprehensive search of databases (Cochrane, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov) was conducted until June 2024, identifying randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing psychological interventions in post-MI patients. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and ROBINS-I tools. Post-traumatic stress disorder outcomes were pooled using meta-analysis in RevMan 5.4. Narrative synthesis was conducted where meta-analysis was not feasible. Nine studies involving 1065 participants were included. Psychological interventions significantly reduced PTSD symptoms {standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.70 to -0.16, P = 0.002]}, anxiety, and depression post-intervention. Subgroup analyses found that intervention components influenced effectiveness, with first-line treatments [eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)] demonstrating a medium effect (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.07; P = 0.02). No significant subgroup differences were found based on the control condition or geographical location of studies.

CONCLUSION

Psychological interventions, particularly CBT and EMDR, were effective in alleviating PTSD, anxiety, and depression in post-MI patients. Future high-quality research is needed to identify active components and optimize these psychological interventions.

REGISTRATION

Prospero CRD42024528138.

Music therapy combined with motivational interviewing

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the main treatment methods for myocardial infarction (MI). Despite its positive effects, patients often experience different degrees of anxiety and depression after the intervention. Therefore, effectively changing the emotional state of patients with MI during PCI remains a focus of clinical research.

AIM

To assess the effect of music therapy and motivational interviewing in young and middle-aged patients with anxiety and depression after PCI.

METHODS

We collected data from January 2022 to December 2023 from 86 young and middle-aged patients with MI after PCI. They were divided into observation and control groups according to the random throwing method. The observation group consisted of 43 patients undergoing music therapy and motivational interviewing, and the control group (43 cases) underwent music therapy and conventional communication. The two groups were then compared on mood status [Chinese Brief Mood Status Scale (POMS)], coping methods [Medical Coping Methods Questionnaire (MCMQ) Chinese version], and healthy lifestyle behaviors [Heart Health Self-Efficacy and Self-Management (HH-SESM) scale].

RESULTS

Two weeks post-intervention, the observation group had lower POMS scores, improved MCMQ scores, and higher HH-SESM scores than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined intervention of music therapy and motivational interviewing for young and middle-aged patients with anxiety and depression after MI can effectively regulate their mood, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and stimulate patients to actively face their condition. It also encourages the formation of healthy behavioral habits.

Analysis of risk factors for postpartum depression after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Early-onset preeclampsia significantly increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Many pregnant women with early onset preeclampsia choose cesarean section as their delivery method. Although extensive research has explored the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and cesarean section, few studies have investigated the risk factors after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia.

AIM

To examine these risk factors through a retrospective, observational analysis of 287 women who underwent a cesarean section for early preeclampsia between June 2014 and March 2024.

METHODS

Participants were assessed in person during the 32^nd week of pregnancy, 2 days post-cesarean, and 6 weeks postpartum. According to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), participants who underwent cesarean section were divided into PPD (n = 60) and non-PPD groups (n = 227). Furthermore, PPD was diagnosed at 6 weeks postpartum according to depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥ 11). The demographic and clinical features of PPD were screened. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify PPD risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PPD was 20.9% (60/287) among the 287 women who underwent cesarean section for early-onset preeclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that advanced age (age > 40 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.31-2.82], previous preeclampsia (OR = 7.15, 95%CI: 5.81-8.85), pre-pregnancy obesity (OR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.62-3.63), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.52, 95%CI: 2.51-4.92), preexisting hypertension (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.03-1.89), PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum (OR = 6.15, 95%CI: 1.32-28.35), high prenatal self-rating anxiety scale score (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.06-1.18), and pain at 6 weeks postpartum (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.28-3.66) were independently associated with PPD.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for PPD after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia include advanced age (age > 40 years), pre-pregnancy obesity, previous preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preexisting hypertension, PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum, prenatal anxiety, and pain at 6 weeks postpartum. The early identification of these factors and interventions can mitigate the risk of PPD.

Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Outpatients with Myocardial Infarction

Background

The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) is suboptimal because of the disease's life-threatening nature, the requirement for long-term lifestyle modifications, and the treatment regimens following MI. This study aimed to evaluate HRQOL and its associated factors in MI patients.

Material and Methods

This study was conducted on patients with MI who attended the outpatient cardiology clinic at a major teaching hospital in Jordan. The EQ-5D-3L questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL of the study participants. Quantile regression analysis was conducted to identify the variables associated with HRQOL.

Results

The study included 333 patients with a history of MI, with a median age of 58 (57-60). The median of the total EQ-5D score was 0.65 (0.216-0.805). Regression results revealed that male patients (Coefficient= 0.110, 95%Cl (0.022-0.197), P=0.014) and not being diagnosed with diabetes (Coefficient= 0.154, 95%Cl (0.042-0.266), P=0.007) were associated with increased HRQOL. On the other hand, low income (Coefficient= -0.115, 95%Cl (-0.203 - -0.026), P=0.011), not receiving DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase -4) inhibitors (Coefficient= -0.321 95%Cl (-0.462 - -0.180), P<0.001), and having low (Coefficient= -0.271, 95%Cl (-0.395 - -0.147), P<0.001) or moderate (Coefficient= -0.123, 95%Cl (-0.202 - -0.044), P=0.002) medication adherence was associated with decreased HRQOL.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated diminished HRQOL among patients with MI, highlighting the necessity of tailoring interventions to tackle medication adherence barriers in this population. Personalized interventions such as educational programs, counseling, and reminders that consider each patient's needs and circumstances can greatly enhance medication adherence and, thus, the HRQOL of MI patients. Individuals with lower income levels, female patients, and those with diabetes should be the specific targets of these interventions.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Using the Family-Centered Empowerment Model is Effective in Improving Long-term Mortality in Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A 10-year Follow-Up Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) play a critical role in reducing the risk of future cardiovascular events and enhancing the quality of life for individuals who have survived a heart attack.

AIM

To assess the mortality rates and stability of the effects in myocardial infarction (MI) survivors after implementing a Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM)-focused hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program.

METHODS

This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted at Shariati Hospital, an academic teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran (2012-2023), involved 70 MI patients and their families. Participants were randomly assigned to an FCEM intervention group or standard CR control group. The intervention commenced after the MI patient's safe discharge from the CCU and continued for the entire 10-year follow-up period. Various questionnaires were utilized to collect data on mortality rates and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

RESULTS

The 10-year follow-up period revealed lower mortality rates in the intervention group (5.7%, 11.4%, and 17.1% at 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively) compared to the control group (20%, 37.1%, and 48.9%). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, the control group had a four times higher mortality risk (HR: 4.346, 95% CI 1.671-7.307, P = 0.003). The FCEM-focused program demonstrated a significant and sustained positive impact on participants' quality of life for 48 months, with greater improvement compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the effectiveness of FCEM-based hybrid CR programs in enhancing long-term patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates among MI survivors. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits in larger samples and diverse populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study (Identifier: NCT02402582) was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov on 03/30/2015.

Pulse rate variability and health-related quality of life assessment with the Short Form-8 Japanese version in the general Japanese population

We aimed to investigate the association between pulse rate variability (PRV) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the general population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 5908 Japanese men and women aged 30-79 years. PRV was assessed at rest using 5-min recordings of pulse waves with a photoplethysmographic signal from a fingertip sensor, and the time and frequency domains of PRV were determined. HRQOL was assessed with the Short Form-8 (SF-8) Japanese version, and poor HRQOL was defined as an SF-8 sub-scale score < 50. A test for nonlinear trends was performed with the generalized additive model with a smoothing spline adjusted for confounders. The lowest multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for poor physical component score were found in those who had second or third quartile levels of standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD), and high-frequency (HF) power and trended slightly upward in the higher levels. PRV-derived parameters were nonlinearly associated with poor physical component scores. In conclusion, reduced PRV-derived SDNN, RMSSD and HF power were associated with poor HRQOL in the domain of physical function. Higher levels of these parameters did not necessarily translate into better HRQOL.

Implication of cognitive-behavioral stress management on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in acute myocardial infarction patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter, randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention enhances the psychological status and quality of life in patients with various diseases, such as cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. This multicenter, randomized, controlled study intended to explore the potential benefit of CBSM in ameliorating the anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 250 AMI patients who received PCI were randomly allocated to the CBSM (N = 125) and control care (CC) (N = 125) groups, and underwent weekly corresponding interventions for 12 weeks. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores were evaluated at baseline (M0), month (M)1, M3, and M6. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were recorded during follow-up.

RESULTS

HADS-anxiety score at M1 (P = 0.036), M3 (P = 0.002), and M6 (P = 0.001), as well as anxiety rate at M6 (P = 0.026), was reduced in the CBSM group versus the CC group. HADS-depression score at M3 (P = 0.027) and M6 (P = 0.002), as well as depression rate at M6 (P = 0.013), was decreased in the CBSM group versus the CC group. EQ-5D score at M3 (P = 0.046) and M6 (P = 0.001) was reduced, while EQ-VAS score at M1 (P = 0.037), M3 (P = 0.010), and M6 (P = 0.003) was raised, in the CBSM group versus the CC group. However, accumulating MACE rate did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.360).

CONCLUSION

CBSM ameliorates anxiety, depression, and QoL but does not affect MACE in AMI patients after PCI.

The effect of web-based education delivered as part of cardiac rehabilitation on healthy lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease in Turkey: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of web-based education delivered as part of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on healthy lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Turkey.

METHOD

This study is a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group (n = 35) received web-based education and telephone counseling for 12 weeks after discharge, while the control group (n = 35) received standard care.

RESULTS

Post-test healthy lifestyle behaviors scale total score and total scores of all sub-dimensions except nutrition were higher in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The post-test international physical activity total score, and VAS scale scores of the experimental group and were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The number of non-smoking patients in the post-test was statistically significantly higher in the experimental group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that web-based education delivered as part of CR in a Turkish hospital improved healthy lifestyle behaviors, physical activity level, and quality of life in CAD.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Our study proved that web-based education delivered as part of CR, nurse follow-up, and telephone counseling services may be effective tools for CAD patients to adhere to healthy lifestyle behaviors, and to promote quality of life and smoking cessation.

Impact of spirituality on elderly people's quality of life and life satisfaction after acute myocardial infarction: Iranian hospital-based study

BACKGROUND

As people age, survival after a heart attack can affect their quality of life and lead to a decrease in life satisfaction. After a myocardial infarction, elderly patients may experience physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that affect their thoughts and behaviour in relation to spirituality.

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and other sociodemographic and medical history-related factors on quality of life and life satisfaction among elderly people after myocardial infarction.

METHOD

In a census-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Imam Reza Hospital in Amol, Iran, from May 2020 to May 2021, data on sociodemographics, medical history, subjective well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life were collected from 502 participants who were referred at the heart clinic.

RESULTS

The findings showed that spiritual well-being dimensions (religious well-being, [self-assessment of one's relationship with God], and existential well-being, [self-assessment of one's sense of purpose in life and life satisfaction]) were not significantly associated with life satisfaction, but a high perception of both dimensions of spiritual well-being were associated with higher self-reported quality of life. A history of past-year hospital admission and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were significant predictors of life satisfaction, and educational level was a predictor of quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found no significant association between spiritual well-being and life satisfaction among elderly people following myocardial infarction. This finding might have been influenced by the physical and emotional challenges experienced by the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Thai PCI registry

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The objectives of this study were to assess the changes in HRQoL and factors influencing these changes in CAD patients after undergoing PCI.

Methods

Data from a nationwide PCI registry across 39 hospitals in Thailand were collected in 2018-2019, including baseline characteristics, comorbid diseases, angiographic CAD severity, procedural details, and type of health insurance. HRQoL, as measured by utility scores, was determined in all patients using the Thai version of EQ-5D-5l at admission, discharge, and 6 and 12 months after discharge. The effects of time after PCI procedure and various factors on mean utility scores were assessed using a mixed-effect linear regression model.

Results

A total of 19,701 patients were included in the analysis; they had a mean age of 64.2 ± 11.7 years and were predominantly (69.1%) male. Following PCI, the mean utility scores increased from 66.6 ± 19.6 at admission to 81.9 ± 13.8 at discharge, and remained stable at 6 and 12 months (86.1 ± 12.3 and 88.0 ± 11.7, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, several factors were found to be independently associated with improved HRQoL, including angiographic success, male gender, overweight status, dyslipidemia, and radial access. Six other factors were associated with less improved HRQoLs, including cardiogenic shock/IABP support, old age, CKD, clinical presentation (STEMI and NSTEMI), prior cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure. There were no associations of CAD severity and procedural details with HRQoL. No differences were found related to type of health insurance, except that patients who were uninsured or self-pay tended to have less improvement in HRQoL.

Conclusion

HRQoL improved significantly after PCI in these subjects, as observed through 1 year of follow-up. Identifying the factors influencing these improvements may assist clinicians in tailoring patient interventions to optimise quality of life after PCI.

What is the relationship between health-related quality of life among scoliosis patients and their caregiver burden? A cross-sectional study in China

BACKGROUND

Caregivers play a vital role in the recovery of scoliosis patients, but limited studies evaluate the caregivers' HRQoL and burden in health care. This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of scoliosis patients and their caregivers, and identify the factors influencing caregiver burden in Eastern China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2018 to January 2019 at the Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China. The HRQoL of scoliosis patients was measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) and Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D). The caregivers' questionnaires consist of the EQ-5D-5L, WHO-five wellbeing index (WHO-5), 22-item Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship among caregivers' burden, social support, HRQoL, and SWB. Cohen's effect size (Cohen's d) was used to assess the ZBI-22 total score between different groups. Multiple stepwise hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to assess the associated factors of caregiver burden.

RESULTS

There were 59 scoliosis patients and their caregivers (n = 59) included in the analysis. The mean health state utility of adolescent scoliosis patients (n = 39) was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.654, 0.782) based on CHU9D and adult scoliosis patients (n = 20) was 0.663 (95%CI: 0.471, 0.855) based on EQ-5D-5L. The mean health state utility of male scoliosis patients (0.792/0.667) was higher than females (0.681/0.662) based on CHU9D and EQ-5D-5L (p > 0.05), respectively. The ZBI-22 total score of scoliosis patients' caregivers was 27.86 (SD: 20.59). Scoliosis patients' HRQoL was significantly inversely correlated with caregiver burden, and the HRQoL and subjective wellbeing (SWB) of caregivers were moderately and inversely correlated with caregiver burden. The regression results showed that the patients' age and caregivers' SWB were key characteristics associated with caregiver burden.

CONCLUSIONS

The caregiver burden of adolescent patients was higher than that of adult patients, and the satisfaction rate of adolescent scoliosis patients was higher than that of adult scoliosis patients. Improving the functional state of scoliosis patients and providing appropriate nursing practice education from health professionals would be necessary to effectively improve caregivers SWB and alleviate caregiver burden.

Impact of AfterAMI Mobile App on Quality of Life, Depression, Stress and Anxiety in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Open Label, Randomized Trial

mHealth solutions optimize cardiovascular risk factor control in coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mobile app AfterAMI on quality of life in patients after myocardial infarction. 100 participants were randomized (1:1 ratio) into groups: (1) with a rehabilitation program and access to afterAMI or (2) standard rehabilitation alone (control group, CG). 3 questionnaires (MacNew, DASS21 and EQ-5D-5L) were used at baseline, 1 month and 6 months after discharge. Median age was 61 years; 35% of patients were female. At 1 month follow up patients using AfterAMI had higher general quality of life scores both in MacNew [5.78 vs. 5.5 in CG, p = 0.037] and EQ-5D-5L [80 vs. 70 in CG, p = 0.007]. At 6 months, according to MacNew, the app group had significantly higher scores in emotional [6.09 vs. 5.45 in CG, p= 0.017] and physical [6.2 vs. 6 in CG, p = 0.027] aspects. The general MacNew quality of life score was also higher in the AfterAMI group [6.11 vs. 5.7 in CG, p = 0.015], but differences in EQ-5D-5L were not significant. There were no differences between groups in the DASS21 questionnaire. mHealth interventions may improve quality of care in secondary prevention, however further studies are warranted.

Management of emotional distress following a myocardial infarction: a qualitative content analysis

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, are common among MI patients. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional reactions following MI and to explore how MI patients self-manage their emotional distress using the perspective of an explanatory behavioural model of depression and anxiety. Written testimonies from 92 MI patients starting an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) were analysed using qualitative content analysis with a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Six themes were identified. The first three highlight the emotional reactions post-MI: Hypoarousal reactions and low mood; Hyperarousal reactions; and A changed sense of self and outlook on life. The following three themes describe strategies for managing emotional distress: Avoidance of potentially rewarding situations; Avoidance of heart relevant stimuli triggering anxiety; and Engaging in potentially positive activities and acceptance. The MI experience may trigger emotional reactions, with a particular emphasis on heart-focused anxiety, depression and a shift in the perception of one's identity. Patients tend to manage emotional distress through social withdrawal and experiential avoidance which likely maintains the distress. Applying a behavioural model to the management of emotional distress following MI is suited.

Post-traumatic growth in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study in China

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the post-traumatic growth (PTG) level and explores its predictors among adult patients with SLE in China. From April 2020 to April 2021, 135 hospitalized adult SLE patients completed the questionnaire including sociodemographic and disease-related data, Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS). Descriptive analysis, pearson's correlation analysis, and forward multiple line regression analysis were used for analysis by SPSS 22.0. Results showed that, the mean PTGI score was 57.52 ± 20.82. Pearson correlation analysis showed that, complicated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (r = - 0.185), CD4 +/CD8 + (r = - 0.383), acceptance-resignation (r = - 0.185), poor PSQI (r = - 0.215), and depression (r = - 0.322) were negatively associated with total PTGI score; while the relationship with lupus nephritis (r = 0.247), confrontation (r = 0.313), avoidance (r = 0.379), and SSRS (r = 0.242) were positive (all P < 0.05). The total score of PTGI and its five sub-dimensions were not correlated with anxiety and self-perceived burden. Further, CD4 +/CD8 +, confrontation of MCMQ, and SSRS could explain 30.3% of the variance in total PTGI (F = 6.646, P < 0.01). In summary, Chinese adults with SLE experience moderate levels of PTG. Clinical nurses need pay attention to the current disease status and individual characteristics of patients, as well as their mental health, to promote their growth experience, so that they can cope with the future life in a better state and coexist well with SLE.

Predicting Return to Work Following Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients who returned to work within three months post-myocardial infarction and the factors that predicted return to work. A total of 136 participants with myocardial infarction completed the study questionnaires at baseline and three months post-discharge between August 2015 and February 2016. At the three-month follow-up, 87.5% (n = 49) of the participants who were working pre-infarction had resumed work. Age, gender, education, smoking, readmission after discharge, number of comorbidities, diabetes, social support, anxiety, and depression were significantly associated with returning to work at three months post-discharge. Age, gender, smoking, anxiety, and depression significantly predicted those patients with myocardial infarction that returned to work, using binary logistic regression. The majority of patients in work who experience myocardial infarction have the capacity to achieve a work resumption by three months post-discharge. Interventions that facilitate returning to work should focus on modifiable risk factors, such as improving these patients’ mental health, comorbid conditions, risk of readmission, smoking, and social support. Healthcare providers should work in partnership with patients’ family members, friends, and employers in developing and implementing interventions to address these modifiable factors to facilitate patients’ return to work.

The Analysis of the Relationship between the Quality of Life Level and Expectations of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases under the Home Care of Primary Care Nurses

The World Health Organization defines quality of life as a person’s perception of his or her life situation in relation to the culture and value system in which he or she lives, in relation to and with respect to his or her functioning assumptions, expectations, and standards set by environmental conditions. Meeting the expectations of patients with CVD is one of the factors that positively influences their health status and leads to better diagnostic and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to answer three main questions related to patients with chronic cardiovascular disease: (1) What is their quality of life? (2) Are patients’ expectations about the quality of care provided by primary health care physicians/nurses met (and at what level)? (3) Is there a correlation between patients’ quality of life and their expectations of primary health care physicians/nurses? The study involved 193 Polish CVD patients who were cared for at home by a family nurse practitioner working in primary health care facilities. Data were collected from March 2016 to January 2017. The WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Author Interview Questionnaire were used for the study. Data analysis was based on the Spearman correlation coefficient test. There was a statistically significant association between patients’ expectations of the physician regarding information about the course of the disease and quality of life in the following domains: environmental r = 0.20, p = 0.006, psychological: r = 0.18, p = 0.015, physical: r = 0.18, p = 0.013, and social: r = 0.16, p = 0.025. Patients who did not expect the nurse to be courteous, understanding, or interested were found to have higher quality of life scores in psychological (r = −0.17, p = 0.023) and physical (r = −0.15, p = 0.044) domains. There was a statistically significant relationship between expectations of care from nurses regarding intimacy during care activities and the level of satisfaction with one’s own health (r = −0.15, p = 0.038) and quality of life (r = −0.14, p = 0.045), as well as quality of life in the domains of physical (r = 0.21, p = 0.004), social (r = 0.19, p = 0.010), and psychological (r = 0.16, p = 0.024). There is a need to define the expectations of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease in primary care, as lack of expectations of a physician/nurse continues to be associated with lower quality of life in all domains.

Acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support and quality of life among patients with chronic lymphedema: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To examine acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support, and quality of life and to explore the relationships between acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support, and quality of life among Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema.

METHODS

Chronic lymphedema patients were recruited from five tertiary hospitals between May and July 2020 in China. Recruited patients were assessed for quality of life (QOL), acceptance of disability (AOD), coping styles, perceived social support (PSS), and sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to examine the multivariate effect of AOD, coping style, PSS, and sociodemographic and disease-related factors on QOL.

RESULTS

A total of 163 chronic lymphedema patients were recruited. The mean score of QOL was 2.23 (SD = 0.68). AOD, number of symptoms, acceptance-resignation, avoidance, degree of pain, PSS, and educational level were found to be significant predictors of QOL.

CONCLUSION

Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema had moderate levels of QOL. The QOL and specific domains of patients were affected by different factors. Special attention and targeted interventions should be given to improve patients' QOL.

The Combined Effects of Patient Activation and Relational Aspects on the Quality of Life in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Objective: This study aims to explore the influence of patient activation (PA) and relational aspects on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) for developing measures to improve PA and QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2021 among 190 AF patients in Nanjing, China. Research instruments included a self-designed social-demographic characteristics scale, the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT). The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25.0. Spearman correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess the association accordingly. Results: The average AFEQT score for the 190 AF patients was 69.32 ± 14.52. The distribution of activation Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, were where 4.7, 34.2, 47.4, and 13.7%, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that patient activation, work status, and cardiac rehabilitation of AF patients predicted AF-related QoL (β = 0.270, -0.205, and 0.183, respectively; all P < 0.05). The influences of PA level on subdimensions of AF-related QoL were as follows: symptoms, daily activities and treatment concern. Conclusion: The level of QoL of patients with AF was moderate. Higher levels of patient activation in those with AF were associated with milder symptoms, more positive daily activities and fewer treatment concern. Based on our findings, we suggest that healthcare personnel should encourage AF patients to take active participation in cardiac rehabilitation, disease self-management and foster progression of PA level. Future research is warranted to develop tailor-made interventions aimed at the activation level.

Uncertainty in illness and coping styles: Moderating and mediating effects of resilience in stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke has a great influence on the patient’s mental health, and reasonable psychological adjustment and disease perception can promote the recovery of mental health.

AIM

To explore the relationships among resilience, coping style, and uncertainty in illness of stroke patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was used to investigate 154 stroke patients who were diagnosed and treated at eight medical institutes in Henan province, China from October to December 2019. We used the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire to test the uncertainty in illness, resilience, and coping style, respectively.

RESULTS

Resilience had a significant moderating role in the correlation between coping style and unpredictability and information deficiency for uncertainty in illness (P < 0.05). Further, the tenacity and strength dimensions of resilience mediated the correlation between the confrontation coping style and complexity, respectively (P < 0.05). The strength dimension of resilience mediated the correlation between an avoidance coping style and the unpredictability of uncertainty in illness (P < 0.05), as well as correlated with resignation, complexity, and unpredictability (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Resilience has moderating and mediating roles in the associations between coping style and uncertainty in illness, indicating that it is vital to improve resilience and consider positive coping styles for stroke patients in the prevention and control of uncertainty in illness.

Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients With Myocardial Infarction Combined With Dyslipidemia

Background: Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to examine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors of patients with MI combined with dyslipidemia in China.

Methods: Information on patients' sociological characteristics, lifestyle, clinical characteristics, and quality of life were collected by electronic medical records and questionnaires. Tobit regression model was used to investigate the predictors of quality of life.

Results: There were 756 patients responded. The average EQ-5D score of all the patients was 0.95 (SD: 0.11). For all patients, factors such as age, high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, sports, family history of dyslipidemia, history of peripheral artery disease significantly affected HRQoL.

Conclusions: Post-discharge care of the elderly group should be paid more attention to and suggestions on the healthy lifestyle (fat control) of the patients should be encouraged to improve the quality of life of these population.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Myocardial Infarction Patients at Cardiac Center, Ethiopia

Introduction. Myocardial infarction is the most frequent manifestation of coronary heart disease and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The sudden and often profound physiological and psychological effect of the acute onset of myocardial infarction hurts the health-related quality of life. Objective. To assess health-related quality of life and associated factors among myocardial infarction patients at Cardiac Center, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020. Method. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to June 25, 2020, at the Cardiac Center-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The sample consisted of 421 myocardial infarction patients. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire by using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Samples were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. The linear regression analysis model was fitted using SPSS 26 and STATA 14, and the unstandardized beta (𝛽) coefficient with a 95% confidence interval was used. A $p$ value <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results. The mean score of the overall health-related quality of life was found to be $49.29\pm 14.83$ , and the mean score for the physical domain was $47.96\pm 16.50$ ; for the psychological domain, it was $50.91\pm 16.07$ , and for environmental and social relationship domains, it was $48.30\pm 16.54$ and $52.02\pm 24.61$ , respectively. In the multiple regression analysis, increased age, living in a rural area, heart failure, and hypertension were inversely associated with overall health-related quality of life, while secondary and higher education were associated with better overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion. Patients with myocardial infarction at Cardiac Center, Ethiopia, had lower health-related quality of life. Hence, the finding of this study suggests the implementation of a cardiac rehabilitation program and comprehensive service given by healthcare providers.