[Quality of life and related factors in metabolic syndrome patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery].
BACKGROUND
Metabolic syndrome is a high-prevalence health problem worldwide. In Taiwan, some 16.1-20.4% of males and 13.3-15.3% of females have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Taiwan, and metabolic syndrome is a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is currently the most recommended treatment for coronary artery disease. In Taiwan, approximately 6,300 individuals underwent CABG surgery in 2007.


OBJECTIVE
Research has found metabolic syndrome to be associated with poor outcomes following CABG. However, research focusing on quality of life in metabolic syndrome patients who have undergone CABG is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life of such patients in order to address this gap in understanding.


METHODS
The cross-sectional quantitative research design with purposive sampling used for this study employed two instruments, including the Short Form 36-Health Survey and a demographic questionnaire. Seventy patients were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed using SPSS, Version 17.0 software. Data analysis addressed percentages, means, standard deviations, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVAs and Pearson correlation coefficients.


RESULTS
With regard to SF-36 Taiwan version scores, results showed participant mean scores for general health and social functions to be higher than those of the general population, and, in keeping with this, the mean scores for limited role function due to emotional problems and physical pain due to the operation were lower. Nevertheless, overall, the mean score for physical functions was lower than that for the general population, as were mean scores for vitality and mental health. Metabolic syndrome indicators were significantly associated with gender, age, education level, and religious affiliation. In addition, quality of life differed significantly by gender, marital status, meal arrangements, and alcohol consumption. Finally, lower blood pressure was correlated with vitality and mental health.


CONCLUSIONS
It is hoped that study findings will increase awareness among healthcare providers regarding quality of life in metabolic syndrome patients who have undergone CABG. Based on study results, healthcare providers may design specific interventions for this particular population in order to achieve optimal quality of life.
Chen
Yun-Chia
YC
Department of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, ROC.
Tung
Heng-Hsin
HH
Wei
Jeng
J
Chang
Chung-Yi
CY
Liu
Chieh-Yu
CY
Tseng
Li-Hua
LH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life