Preparation For Undergoing A Noxious Medical Procedure: Interacting Effects Of Information And Individual Differences In Coping Style

The present research explored several issues pertaining to information seeking as a coping disposition and stress management for patients having to undergo a noxious medical procedure (a cardiac catheterization test). The role of information seeking as a coping disposition was investigated in relation to (1) differences in the disposition of desire for control, to (2) differential effectiveness of an information based preparatory intervention, and to (3) differences in coping efforts made during the catheterization. Seventy-two male and female patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for the first time were randomly assigned to either a high or low information preparation condition. Dispositional desire for information was assessed with the Krantz Health Opinion Survey and the Miller Behavioral Styles Scale. No evidence was found for a relationship between a desire for information and a desire for control. Patients who received preparatory information consistent with their dispositional desire for information exhibited less behavioral anxiety during the catheterization. Self-report and physiological measures did not yield any significant differences. Matching between level of preparatory information and dispositional desire for information also resulted in a pattern of more problem focused and less emotional focused coping during the catheterization. Coping disposition alone did not have any effects on adjustment during the catheterization. In contrast, information condition did have independent effects on adjustment. Patients who received high preparatory information had more positive self-statements during the catheterization and took significantly less time for the procedure to be completed. The findings are discussed with regard to previous studies on the interaction between information preference and preparatory stress management, and current concepts of coping processes bearing on individual differences. Clinical implications of the findings are also discussed

How does gender influence the recognition of cardiovascular risk and adherence to self-care recommendations? : a study in polish primary care

Background: Studies have shown a correlation between gender and an ability to change lifestyle to reduce the risk of disease. However, the results of these studies are ambiguous, especially where a healthy lifestyle is concerned. Additionally, health behaviors are strongly modified by culture and the environment. Psychological factors also substantially affect engagement with disease-related lifestyle interventions. This study aimed to examine whether there are differences between men and women in the frequency of health care behavior for the purpose of reducing cardiovascular risk (CVR), as well as cognitive appraisal of this type of risk. We also aimed to identify the psychological predictors of engaging in recommended behavior for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease after providing information about this risk in men and women. Methods: A total of 134 consecutive eligible patients in a family practice entered a longitudinal study. At initial consultation, the individual’s CVR and associated health burden was examined, and preventive measures were recommended by the physician. Self-care behavior, cognitive appraisal of risk, and coping styles were then assessed using psychological questionnaires. Six months after the initial data collection, the frequency of subjects’ self-care behavior was examined. Results: We found an increase in health care behavior after providing information regarding the rate of CVR in both sexes; this increase was greater for women than for men. Women followed self-care guidelines more often than men, particularly for preventive measures and dietary advice. Women were more inclined to recognize their CVR as a challenge. Coping style, cognitive appraisal, age, level of health behaviors at baseline and CVR values accounted for 48% of the variance in adherence to self-care guidelines in women and it was 52% in men. In women, total risk of CVD values were most important, while in men, cognitive appraisal of harm/loss was most important. Conclusions: Different predictors of acquisition of health behavior are encountered in men and women. Our results suggest that gender-adjusted motivation models influencing the recognition process need to be considered to optimize compliance in patients with CVR