Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of first phase cardiac rehabilitation

programs on anxiety and depression in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Background. Anxiety and depression are psychological factors influencing the prognosis,

recovery, and adherence to treatment in patients with ACS. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are

an important part of the care plan is arranged for the majority of heart patients.

Method. This clinical trial study was conducted on 88 ACS patients with regard to the inclusion

criteria. The subjects were randomly divided to experimental (n=44) and control (n=44) groups.

The experimental group participated in four educational sessions of cardiac rehabilitation

program, which included familiarity with risk factors of heart disease, nutrition and drugs

recommendations, stress and depression reduction methods and exercises training. Information

booklet was given at the end of the sessions. Data were collected by demographic and diseaserelated

questionnaires and Persian version of Hospital Anxiety Depression Score (HADS).The

data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16.0 and descriptive and analytic statistical tests

(Independent t-test and Chi-square and Fisher's exact test).

Finding. The findings showed that there was no statistically significant relationship of

demographic and disease-related information with anxiety and depression scores before study.

There was significant statistical difference between two groups in the mean of anxiety and

depression score after intervention (P_0.0001).

Conclusion. According to the finding, the first phase cardiac rehabilitation programs is effective

in reducing anxiety and depression in ACS patients Therefore, it can be an effective way to plan

nursing care of patients with ACS.

Abstract

Aim. This study was conducted to examine the effect of supportive nursing program on depression, anxiety and stress of family members of patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background. patient’s family members experience high levels of depression, anxiety and stress during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Informational and emotional support of family members during surgery may have significant effect on reducing their psychological distress and enabling them to better support of the patient.

Method. This semi-experimental study was conducted on 104 relatives of patients. They were recruited in the study with regard to the inclusion criteria and assigned to either experimental (n=52) or control (n=52) group. The experimental group received supportive nursing program including informational and emotional support. The control group only received routine interventions. Data were collected by demographic form and modified Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). The data were analyzed by Chi-squire and T-test using SPSS software, version 21.   

Findings. There were no statistically significant differences between control and intervention group regarding the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress before surgery. After intervention (at the end of surgery) experimental group reported significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. According to the finding, supportive nursing program could reduce depression, anxiety and stress of family members of patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery so, we suggest this program as an effective intervention to support family members during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Aim. This study was aimed to assess the effect of self-care educational program on quality of life in patients with hypertension.

Background. Hypertension is a major health problem due to complications and high mortality rate. It causes problems in the ability of patients for self-care and affect their quality of life.

Method. This clinical trial study with control group was conducted in Mahmud-Abad Hospital affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, 70 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected through convenience sampling and to prevent information contamination, they were allocated to groups according to whether they refer to hospital even or odd days. Before and three months after intervention, data were collected by quality of life questionnaire SF-36 in both groups. Patients in control group received routine education. Patients in intervention group participated in three face to face self-care education sessions (each session lasted 20 minutes) and received educational package including instruction booklet and CD. Data were analyzed by using Independent t-test, Paired t test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test through SPSS version 21.

Findings. The results showed that before intervention, there was not a statistically significant difference between two groups regarding quality of life, but after 3 months there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.0001). Also, in the intervention group, there were statistically significant differences regarding the total score of quality of life and all related dimensions, before and three months after education (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. Self-care education can improve quality of life among patients with hypertension. It is recommended that health care providers, particularly nurses, implement these educational programs for improving the quality of life of patients with hypertension.