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Recovering from an acute cardiac event – the relationship between depression and life satisfaction

journal contribution
posted on 2010-03-01, 00:00 authored by Karen Page, P Davidson, Karen-Leigh Edward, Josh Allen, Robert CumminsRobert Cummins, D Thompson, Linda Worrall-Carter
Aims. This study sought to measure the rates and trajectory of depression over six months following admission for an acute cardiac event and describe the relationship between depression and life satisfaction.
Background. Co-morbid depression has an impact on cardiac mortality and is associated with the significant impairment of quality of life and well-being, impairments in psychosocial function, decreased medication adherence and increased morbidity.
Design. This was a descriptive, correlational study.
Method. The study was undertaken at a large public hospital in Melbourne. Participants were asked to complete a survey containing the cardiac depression scale (CDS) and the Personal Well-being Index.
Results. This study mapped the course of depression over six months of a cohort of patients admitted for an acute cardiac event. Significant levels of depressive symptoms were found, at a level consistent with the literature. A significant correlation between depressive symptoms as measured by the CDS and the Personal Well-being Index was found.
Conclusions. Depression remains a significant problem following admission for an acute coronary event. The Personal Wellbeing Index may be a simple, effective and non-confrontational initial screening tool for those at risk of depressive symptoms in this population. Relevance to clinical practice. Despite the known impact of depression on coronary heart disease (CHD), there is limited research describing its trajectory. This study makes a compelling case for the systematic screening for depression in patients with CHD and the importance of the nursing role in identifying at risk individuals.

History

Journal

Journal of clinical nursing

Volume

19

Issue

5-6

Pagination

736 - 743

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Location

Oxford, England

ISSN

0962-1067

eISSN

1365-2702

Language

eng

Notes

Article first published online 16 Feb 2010

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2010, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Clinical Nursing