Abstract
Few studies exist concerning the situation of women after a myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this longitudinal study was to map out women’s social network and social support 12 months after a first MI. A sample of 200 consecutively chosen female patients below 70 years of age (ranges 35–70 years) answered a similar questionnaire on different occasions: before hospital discharge and at 3 and 12 months after the MI event. We analyzed the data with descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 90% of the women had network members available who provided them with support. The strongest bonds existed between patient and close relatives, such as children, parents, or siblings, and then with spouse and intimate friends, in that order. The bonds between patients and health care professionals were not strong at the time of the MI, but subjects reported a significant increase (p < .0007) during the following 12 months. The need for material support was highest directly after the MI and for informational support 3 months later, and after 12 months the need for belonging dominated. More than half of the women had participated in secondary prevention programs. Further research is necessary to be able to understand enabling and limiting aspects of social support in connection with recovery from MI.
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Hildingh, C., Fridlund, B. & the MISS-W Study Group. Social network and experiences of social support among women 12 months after their first myocardial infarction. Int J Rehab Health 3, 131–142 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02806726
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02806726