Gender differences and determinants of health related quality of life in coronary patients: a follow-up study
2011

Gender Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life After Coronary Events

Sample size: 175 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dueñas María, Ramirez Carmen, Arana Roque, Failde Inmaculada

Primary Institution: Universidad de Cádiz

Hypothesis

The factors determining the evolution of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in men and women would be different.

Conclusion

There are differences in the evolution of HRQL between men and women after a coronary attack, with mental health being a key determinant for both genders.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women had lower baseline scores in the SF-36 compared to men.
  • Men showed better recovery in most physical dimensions at 6 months.
  • Women experienced higher rehospitalization rates between 3 and 6 months.
  • Mental health was a significant determinant of HRQL for both genders.

Takeaway

This study found that men and women recover differently after heart problems, and feeling good mentally is really important for both.

Methodology

A follow-up study with 175 patients using SF-36v1 and GHQ-28 questionnaires to assess HRQL and mental health.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to drop-outs, although minimal differences were observed between drop-outs and participants.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size due to drop-outs during follow-up.

Participant Demographics

112 men and 63 women, with 90% having one or more cardiovascular risk factors.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001 for gender differences in GHQ-28 scores.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-11-24

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication