Psychosocial characteristics of a group of males with ischemic heart disease and extended sick leave.

A number of studies have been published indicating that psychosocial distress provides a significant predictor for outcome and even mortality among post-myocardial infarction patients. In this study medical and psychosocial characteristics were examined in a group of males with ischemic heart disease (IHD) still on extended sick leave (23.4 months +/- 17.5) after a cardiac event compared with a matched control group with considerably shorter sick leave time (2.7 months +/- 0.8). Twelve men with IHD and extended sick leave were referred from the Regional Social Insurance Office and, after informed consent, were enrolled in the study. The matched controls were recruited from the Sahlgrenska University Hospitals out-patient Heart Clinic. The two groups underwent medical examination including estimation of ejection fraction and ergometer bicycle stress test. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of blood lipids. Psychosocial characteristics were studied by a self-administrative, reliable, valid and sensitive questionnaire. The two groups were comparable on matched variables. Significant differences were found between the groups concerning: memory, emotional control, sleeping habits, daily life, leisure time, sexual life, physical capacity and general health status. A factor analysis revealed an inferior functioning in the group with extended sick leave concerning the social, somatic, and control factor. It is concluded that differences in psychosocial characteristics are present in males with ischemic heart disease and with extended sick leave after a cardiac event, compared to a group with 'normal' sick leave time, suggestive of a need for further studies concerning these characteristics and an implementation of this knowledge in rehabilitation programmes.