Study of mental health status of cardiovascular diseases patients and determination of some effective factors on it in the patients hospitalized in CCU and cardiology wards of Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord

Abstract

Background and aims: Mental diseases such as depression, anxiety, delirium, and cognitive disorders are common difficulties of cardiovascular diseases patients. The existence of each one of these diseases causes further exacerbation of physical and mental status of the patient and their consequence is inability in all biopsychosocial areas therefore, this study was conducted to determine the status of mental health and some effective factors on it in the patients hospitalized in CCU and cardiology wards of Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord. Methods: For conducting this descriptive-analytical study which was done cross-sectionally from April 2011 to January 2012, 252 patients hospitalized in CCU and cardiology wards with diagnosis of congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and hypertension were enrolled. To investigate the prevalence of mental disorders, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used and the patients’ demographic variables within the past year were investigated. Results: Of 252 patients, 189 (75%) patients had mental disorders and the most prevalent disorders were depression and anxiety. The mental disorders had significant association with factors like hospitalization history and existence of stress in latest years (P<0.05), so that the prevalence of mental disorders was higher in the employed and lowly educated patients and/or the patients with stress experience within the past year. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, developing appropriate prevention and treatment facilities and supporting the patients and their families is necessary.

Keywords

• mental health
• cardiovascular diseases patients
• individual characteristics
• general health questionnire