Gender differences in self-esteem in Chinese acute coronary syndrome patients

Objective

Self-esteem is an intrinsic psychological domain to recovery following an acute coronary event. However, little research has explored gender differences in self-esteem in the recovery of cardiac patients. The current investigation sought to determine if gender differences in self-esteem were present in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients following hospitalization.

Design

A mixed-group design was used with gender and observation point (within one week of onset of ACS and at six month follow-up) as independent variables.

Setting

Patients were recruited from one general university teaching hospital in Hong Kong, with a confirmed diagnosis of myocardial infarction or unstable angina.

Main outcome measure

The 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; [Society and the Adolescent Self-image, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, 1965]).

Results

Analysis of covariance revealed a highly significant effect on RSES scores with male patients having greater RSES-rated self-esteem compared to females. No significant improvement in RSES scores were observed at six month follow-up.

Conclusions

Health professionals need to be aware that gender is an important factor in the self-esteem needs of this clinical group. Given the importance of self-esteem to cardiac rehabilitation practice, the finding of no improvement in self-esteem at follow-up highlights the need to assess this important psychological domain.