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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Julia A. Dodge, MS, RN1, Nancy K. Janz, PhD2, and Noreen M. Clark, PhD1. (1) School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Room M5116, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-647-3177, jadodge@umich.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029
While the contribution of psychological distress to morbidity and mortality among cardiac patients has been well documented, few stress-reducing interventions for older women with heart disease have been evaluated. This presentation explores perceived stress in 1128 women over 60 years with a heart condition and reports the effects of a self-management intervention ("Women take PRIDE") on subsequent stress levels. Based upon principles of self regulation, the 6-week "Women take PRIDE program is offered in two formats, focuses on managing problems related to the heart regimen, and emphasizes physical activity. Younger age, decreased physical functioning [measured by the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP)], lower self-esteem and decreased social support were significantly (p< .05) associated with increased stress at baseline. Stress-reducing strategies reported at baseline included avoidance of stressful situations (85%), distraction (81%), and religious activities (75%). At four-month follow-up, intervention women reported significantly (p=.03) decreased stress compared to the "usual care" control group and were almost twice as likely to report the use of physical activity as a strategy to reduce stress. Among intervention women, those who received the group-format had the greater improvement in stress at 4 months compared to the control group (p=.01). Self-directed program participants also had decreased levels of stress compared to the control group, though to a lesser extent. Impact of the intervention on additional psychological variables such as depression (CES-D Score) and emotional well-being (SIP) will be discussed, as well as implications for developing effective interventions for older women with heart disease.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of the presentation, the attendees will be able to
Keywords: Stress, Patient Education
Related Web page: None
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.