Caring for Women with Heart Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Michelle DiGiacomo, Patricia M. Davidson, Robert Zecchin, Kate Lamb, John Daly
Primary Institution: University of Technology Sydney
Hypothesis
How do caregiving roles impact women's health and their management of cardiovascular disease?
Conclusion
Women often prioritize caregiving over their own health, which can negatively affect their cardiovascular health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Women caregivers often rate their health as poor or fair and have higher rates of chronic conditions.
- Caregiving roles can lead to stress and health complications, particularly in women.
- Women often prioritize family needs over their own health, which can delay treatment for cardiovascular symptoms.
Takeaway
Women who take care of others often forget to take care of themselves, which can make them sick.
Methodology
Women in a cardiac rehabilitation program completed a questionnaire and participated in group discussions about their caregiving roles and health.
Limitations
The study had a small, convenience sample and limited psychometric validation of the questionnaire used.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 60.85 years, with the majority being married and living with a partner.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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