Gender differences in coping and anxiety in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Taiwan
published online 03 April 2009.
Background
Greater use of coping strategies and lower anxiety levels may be related to positive outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery; however, the relationship between them, including by gender, has not been examined in Taiwan.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey research design and purposive sampling were used in this study, for which 50 men and 50 women were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan.
Results
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, both male and female patients used more problem-focused coping strategies than emotion-focused coping strategies. In comparison with men, women tended to use more blaming of self and had slightly higher scores on both state and trait anxiety.
Conclusion
Clinicians need to be aware that the use of appropriate coping strategies can reduce patient anxiety, a finding that needs to be considered when designing effective interventions for these patients.
aNational Taipei College of Nursing, Tungs' Taichung MetroHabor Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
bHahn School of Nursing of University of San Diego, San Diego, California
cHeart Center of Chen-Hsin Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Corresponding author: Heng-Hsin Tung, PhD, FNP, RN, 365 Ming Te Road PeiTou, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC
ABSTRACT