[Prospective cohort study of patients with a first acute myocardial infarction in Israel: study description]

Sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors affect coronary disease occurrence and clinical course as well as psychosocial adjustment to illness. However, Longitudinal studies of their differential and independent role are scarce. This article describes a Longitudinal prospective investigation of patients hospitalized in Israel in 1992-3 with a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

(A) To assess long-term clinical course, compliance with medical recommendations, risk-factor control and psychosocial adjustment in a cohort of patients undergoing a first AMI. (B) To evaluate the unique contribution of a wide range of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables, assessed at hospital discharge, to various outcomes.

A cohort study of all 1,626 patients aged 65 years or younger (81% males) hospitalized with a first AMI in 8 medical centers in central Israel between 15th February, 1992 and 15th February, 1993. Participation rate in long-term follow-up was 98%. Participants were interviewed 5 times: before discharge and again, 3-6 months, 1-2 years, 5 years, and 10-13 years post-AMI. Compilation of data was carried out through a structured interview, standardized psychosocial questionnaires, and review of the entire medical records.