title: Quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverser-defibrillator: the usage of SF-36 questionnaire.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverser-defibrillator (ICD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive research with quantitative approach by means of an interview and the analysis of the Questionnaire SF-36 in a cardiovascular outpatient service. Fifty patients users of this device participated in this study during their medical follow-up in the period from January to December.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the subjects, 19 (38%) were female and 31 (62%) male. The average age was 58.4 years, ranging from 21 to 75 years. Two domains regarding limitations by physical and emotional aspects below score 50 were observed The social aspects domain presented the higher score; 80,5. Most of the users reported that their health is a little better compared with a year ago.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that individuals' quality of life is impaired, with lower scores for physical and emotional aspects. There was not a correlation between quality of life and age, gender, marital status and educational level. However, they feel comfortable and safe with ICD benefits since it provides their maintenance in being alive protecting them of sudden death.
authors: Medical School of São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. claudiacesarino@famerp.br
authors: Claudia Bernardi
authors: CB
authors: Cesarino
authors: Lúcia Marinilza
authors: LM
authors: Beccaria
authors: Mariana Magalhães
authors: MM
authors: Aroni
authors: Léa Carolina Correa
authors: LC
authors: Rodrigues
authors: Sirley da Silva
authors: Sda S
authors: Pacheco
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult