ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of quality of life and gender differences in predictors of quality of life among patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: Participants for this descriptive survey were 67 men and 65 women who signed informed consents. They were patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or were on medication therapy after a heart attack. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Personal Resource Questionnaire-part (II), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to measure quality of life, social support, and depression respectively. Gender and age were controlled because they were reported as influencing factors in previous studies. RESULTS: There were significant differences in depression and quality of life between men and women however, social support was not significantly different by gender. In multiple regression analysis, depression was a significant predictor and explained 51.9% of quality of life for men. In women, depression and social support were significant predictors and explained 50.9% of quality of life. CONCLUSION: Factors influencing quality of life for men and women were different, and therefore, nurses need to consider their patients' gender and use specific strategies to improve quality of life for patients with coronary artery disease.