PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A GROUP OF MALES WITH ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE AND EXTENDED SICK LEAVE

A number of studies have been published indicating that psychosocial d istress provides a significant predictor for outcome and even mortalit y among post-myocardial infarction patients. In this study medical and psychosocial characteristics were examined in a group of males with i schemic heart disease (IHD) still on extended sick leave (23.4 months +/- 17.5) after a cardiac event compared with a matched control group with considerably shorter sick leave lime (2.7 months +/- 0.8). Twelve men with IHD and extended sick leave were referred from the Regional Social Insurance Office and, after informed consent, were enrolled in the study. The matched controls were recruited from the Sahlgrenska Un iversity Hospitals out-patient Heart Clinic. The two groups underwent medical examination including estimation of ejection fraction and ergo meter bicycle stress lest. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of bl ood lipids. Psychosocial characteristics were studied by a self-admini strative, reliable, valid and sensitive questionnaire. The two groups were comparable on matched variables. Significant differences were fou nd between the groups concerning: memory, emotional control, sleeping habits, daily life, leisure time, sexual life, physical capacity and g eneral health status. A factor analysis revealed an inferior functioni ng in the group with extended sick leave concerning the social, somati c, and control factor. It is concluded that differences in psychosocia l characteristics are present in males with ischemic heart disease and with extended sick leave after a cardiac event, compared to a group w ith 'normal' sick leave time, suggestive of a need for further studies concerning these characteristics and an implementation of this knowle dge in rehabilitation programmes.