Lack of perceived social support in patients with ischemic heart disease is associated with hopelessness

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2020 Apr;34(2):14-16. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2019.12.001. Epub 2019 Dec 12.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate perceived social support (PSS) in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients who report hopelessness.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 156 patients were screened during their hospitalization for moderate to severe state hopelessness. Twenty patients who reported hopelessness during hospitalization and maintained hopelessness one week after hospital discharge were included.

Results: A moderately strong negative correlation was identified between PSS and state hopelessness (r = -0.54, p = .014). PSS was significantly higher in married/partnered patients (26.7 ± 4.85) compared to unmarried/unpartnered patients (18 ± 9.18; t = 2.45, p = .035).

Conclusions: Social support may help reduce hopelessness in vulnerable cardiac patients, especially those who are unpartnered.

Keywords: Hopelessness; Ischemic heart disease; Perceived social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Ischemia / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Spouses / psychology