Social support, anxiety, and support group participation in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Although the use of support groups for patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is recommended, little information concerning support and anxiety exists in relation to group attendance. Using a comparative descriptive design, this study sought to examine differences in demographics, ICD indicators, anxiety, and social support between the ICD recipients who attended a support group and those who did not. Characteristics of 150 ICD patients (77 nonattendees, 73 attendees) were evaluated using Sarason's 6-item Social Support Questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results show that those who attended a support group had higher trait anxiety (P=.05) and were less satisfied with their social support (P=.03) compared with nonattendees. Among all participants, trait anxiety was higher in those diagnosed with tachycardia (P=.046). Finally, higher satisfaction with support was associated with less anxiety (P=.000) and a larger social network (P=.02). Thus, support group attendees were not less anxious, nor did they experience more support than nonattendees, indicating that support groups may serve a vital role for ICD recipients who are characteristically anxious and lack supportive resources. This study recommends evaluating patient support and anxiety to improve support group efficacy.