title: Religion, relationships and mental health in midlife women following acute myocardial infarction.
abstract: Little is known about coping in women following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In midlife, women have worse outcomes than men following AMI. Innovative interventions need to be developed that respond to these women's unique recovery needs. In this correlational, descriptive study, 59 women aged 35-64 who had experienced AMI reported low satisfaction with life and decreased mental health; 49% were experiencing depression. However, they also reported that religion, family, and friends provided strength and comfort at the time of their AMI. Greater activation of simple, family-oriented, coping resources during recovery may be key. It is recommended that mental health nurses be essential members of the recovery planning team.
authors.affiliation: Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144-5591, USA. Lkammste@kennesaw.edu
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kamm-Steigelman
authors.forename: Laura P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Kimble
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dunbar
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Sowell
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bairan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011788:Quality of Life; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D015144:Southeastern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*