Gender and social support in the context of cardiovascular disease.
OBJECTIVE
Gender and social support (SS) can affect the level of adjustment to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study we attempted to determine the effects of both factors on negative mood state, quality of life (QOL) and perceived health control (PHC) in patients at high CVD risk or with CVD. We also tested for an interactive effect of gender and SS.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-three chronic outpatients (89 females and 60 males; 4 provided no information on gender) were assessed. Levels of social support were measured. Other psychosocial variables included were negative mood state, domains of QOL (satisfaction and free time) and PHC.


RESULTS
The results, as expected, indicated main effects of gender and social support. Females experienced higher negative mood state and lower PHC in comparison with males. Patients with low SS reported less satisfaction, free time and PHC and had more negative mood state. No interaction of gender by social support was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Levels of social support and gender are important aspects that influence emotional and psychological functioning in patients with CVD. Specific interventions designed for females and individuals with poor emotional and instrumental support may contribute to positive changes in their adjustment.
Rueda
Beatriz
B
Faculty of Psychology-UNED, C/Juan del Rosal, Madrid, Spain. brueda@psi.uned.es
Pérez-García
Ana M
AM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires