Modification in Quetelet index five months after myocardial infarction: relevance of biographic and personality characteristics.
BACKGROUND
Obesity can be considered as a risk factor for (re-)occurrence of coronary heart disease.


METHODS
The relationship between modification in quetelet index and personality characteristics was assessed in 166 survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Quetelet index (weight/(height)2) was calculated a few days after first MI and again 5 months later. A multiple regression analysis was executed, with the quetelet index after 5 months as dependent variable and adjustment for gender, age, and quetelet index at baseline.


RESULTS
It was found that strong feelings of vital exhaustion and lack of tension significantly contributed to the prediction of increased quetelet index 5 months after a first MI.


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that individually tailored interventions be used based on these personality characteristics to accomplish body weight reduction in MI patients.
Huijbrechts
I P
IP
Institute of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. huijbrechts@mpp.fgg.eur.nl
Erdman
R A
RA
Duivenvoorden
H J
HJ
Passchier
J
J
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D010551:Personality; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*