Krista C van den Broek1, Ivan Nyklíček, Johan Denollet. 1. CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands. CvdBroek@uvt.nl
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Selection bias constitutes a major issue in research using volunteers as study participants. PURPOSE: We examined whether research in partners may affect participation rates of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients with a Type D personality (joint presence of negative affectivity and social inhibition). METHOD: Patients who underwent ICD implantation between May 2003 and November 2007, and who had a partner, were included (n = 440). In September 2005, a substudy on partners of ICD patients was added (n = 276 patients). RESULTS: The proportion Type D patients after the start of the partner substudy was significantly lower as compared to the proportion before this substudy (17.5% versus 28.8%; p = 0.006). Patients who participated following the start of the partner substudy were less likely to have a Type D personality (OR = 0.44; p = 0.002), adjusting for possible confounders. In the partner substudy, nonparticipation was more prevalent among partners of Type D patients as compared to partners of non-Type D patients (20.4% versus 10.1%; p = 0.044). Partner nonparticipation was marginally significantly associated with Type D personality of the patient (OR = 2.13; p = 0.083), adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a partner substudy may be related to a decreased proportion of participants with a Type D personality. Nonparticipation was more prevalent among partners of Type D patients. These observations may influence results of studies, as Type Ds tend to be less healthy.
BACKGROUND: Selection bias constitutes a major issue in research using volunteers as study participants. PURPOSE: We examined whether research in partners may affect participation rates of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients with a Type D personality (joint presence of negative affectivity and social inhibition). METHOD:Patients who underwent ICD implantation between May 2003 and November 2007, and who had a partner, were included (n = 440). In September 2005, a substudy on partners of ICDpatients was added (n = 276 patients). RESULTS: The proportion Type D patients after the start of the partner substudy was significantly lower as compared to the proportion before this substudy (17.5% versus 28.8%; p = 0.006). Patients who participated following the start of the partner substudy were less likely to have a Type D personality (OR = 0.44; p = 0.002), adjusting for possible confounders. In the partner substudy, nonparticipation was more prevalent among partners of Type D patients as compared to partners of non-Type D patients (20.4% versus 10.1%; p = 0.044). Partner nonparticipation was marginally significantly associated with Type D personality of the patient (OR = 2.13; p = 0.083), adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a partner substudy may be related to a decreased proportion of participants with a Type D personality. Nonparticipation was more prevalent among partners of Type D patients. These observations may influence results of studies, as Type Ds tend to be less healthy.
Authors: Susanne S Pedersen; Martha VAN DEN Berg; Ruud A M Erdman; Jenny VAN Son; Luc Jordaens; Dominic A M J Theuns Journal: Pacing Clin Electrophysiol Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 1.976
Authors: Elisabeth J Martens; Nina Kupper; Susanne S Pedersen; Annelies E Aquarius; Johan Denollet Journal: J Psychosom Res Date: 2007-11 Impact factor: 3.006