Predictors of return to former leisure and social activities in MI patients

Outcome after myocardial infarction (MI) is commonly conceptualized as exercise tolerance, recurrent infarction and return to work. In the present study a relative measure of return to former leisure and social activities (LSA) was tested in 366 myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Next, the hypothesis that psychosocial factors are more important predictors for return to LSA than medical ones, was tested. It appeared that at baseline (3 weeks after MI) 36%, at post-test (3 months after MI) 51% and at follow-up (1 year after MI) 54%, reached former levels of LSA. It could be shown, both in multiple regression analysis and path analysis, that psychological vulnerability at baseline is the most important predictor of return to former LSA. Females, older patients, single patients and patients with angina pectoris showed an unfavorable psychological profile at baseline. It is suggested that more attention should be given to the improvement of the psychological status soon after MI for the categories of patients mentioned.