Health-related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and gain insights into the effects of myocardial infarction on health-related quality of life.


BACKGROUND
The study was undertaken as part of a larger on-going project to develop and validate a disease-specific health-related quality of life instrument suitable for use with patients after myocardial infarction.


METHODS
A consecutive sample of 31 patients admitted to a district general hospital in the North of England was recruited and interviewed at home. Semi-structured interviews were conducted based on a guide developed from a review of the literature pertaining to quality of life and expert opinion. Interviews were audio-tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to latent and manifest content analysis and inter-rater reliability was confirmed by a researcher not involved with the interview process.


RESULTS
Analysis of the data revealed seven major categories: physical activity/symptoms; insecurity; emotional reactions; dependency; lifestyle modification; concern over medication; and side-effects. Breathlessness, insecurity and feelings of over-protection were major problems, as was dissatisfaction with information and support.


CONCLUSIONS
Myocardial infarction resulted in a variety of health-related problems which affected quality of life. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of health status should be performed routinely. This is likely to be aided by the development and use of a health-related quality of life instrument for this patient group.
Roebuck
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A
Department of Health Studies, University of York, Genesis 6, York YO10 5DQ, UK. ar25@york.ac.uk
Furze
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Thompson
D R
DR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004644:Emotions; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life